Panaji: Smaller hotels and guesthouses in the state continue to underreport tourist check-in data, said tourism director Kedar Naik on Monday. He said that a number of hotels and guesthouses are operating without a valid registration licence in the state.Naik said that such non-compliance hampers effective tourism management and data monitoring of tourist footfall. “A team of department officials will be conducting inspections and site visits across the state to verify submission of tourist data and validity of registration licences,” said the director.The department issued a reminder to all registered C and D category hotels to ensure regular submission of tourist check-in data through the TIME (Tourist Information Management Enterprise) application.“It is reiterated that submission of guest check-in data is mandatory under the Goa Tourist Trade Registration Act. Despite repeated reminders and notices, it has been observed that several hotels have been negligent in complying with this requirement,” said Naik.He further said that failure to submit the required data will attract penalties and fines and unauthorised operation of hotels and guesthouses will invite strict action, including closure and legal proceedings.“Individuals operating accommodations through platforms such as Airbnb or similar short-term rental services are required to obtain registration with the tourism department. Non-compliance in such cases will also be dealt with firmly,” Naik said.
