The Goa tourism department has issued a fresh directive to all water sports operators involved in yachting activities, urging strict adherence to existing rules to improve safety standards and operational transparency, said Kedar Naik, Director of the state’s tourism department on April 24.

In accordance with the directive, operators have been instructed to comply with the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1982, and the associated Rules of 1985.

Naik added that the circular applies specifically to businesses conducting yachting operations within Goa’s territorial waters.

The decision follows a rise in reports of operators running yachting services without securing the required licences, permissions, or no objection certificates (NOCs) from the department.

Also read | India-made Jin Jiji named drink of the Year, honoured as Best Gin at 2025 London Spirits Competition

As per the newly issued circular, all unregistered yachting operators are required to complete their registration within 15 working days from the notice’s date. The objective, the department said, is to bring greater control to the sector, prioritise tourist safety, and ensure operations align with legal requirements.

Naik explained that the tourism department aims to streamline the management of water sports in Goa, placing a strong emphasis on safeguarding tourists and maintaining accountability within the sector.

“Unregulated operations pose a risk not only to tourists but also to the environment. We urge all operators to come forward and regularize their services under the existing legal framework,” Naik said.

This measure is part of a wider campaign by the department to encourage greater compliance among tourism service providers, and to foster a more sustainable and well-governed tourism industry in the state.

Also read | Visitor numbers rise to historic monuments, but ticket sales and revenue decline

Naik added that the directive reflects Goa’s broader commitment to responsible tourism and long-term environmental stewardship.

Meanwhile, as we celebrated World Heritage Day, it’s time to step beyond Goan beaches and into the soul of the state through ‘Goa Unseen’, an that Airbnb has released a guidebook developed in collaboration with the Goa Tourism Department. This collection of homes and experiences celebrate Goa’s vibrant cultural heritage.

From centuries-old music and art forms to community-led festivals, the guidebook encourages travelers to see Goa not just as a beach destination, but as a thriving cultural landscape steeped in history.