An advisory issued by the Goa tourism department prohibited holidaymakers from taking selfies and photographs, without the permission of other tourists/strangers, especially while sunbathing or sea swimming, so as to respect their privacy.
This advisory is aimed to protect the privacy of travellers, ensure their safety and avoid getting cheated by unethical elements, among other things. The department has also advised travellers visiting the coastal state not to destroy or damage heritage sites by scribbling graffiti or resort to other forms of disfiguring monuments.
The advisory further noted, “Do not hire illegal private taxis. Insist on metered fares to avoid overcharging. Consumption of alcohol in open areas like beaches etc is prohibited and is a punishable offence. However, alcohol may be consumed responsibly inside the legally licensed premises like shacks/restaurants, hotels etc.”
It has advised travellers to book accommodation with legal hotels/villas or housing facilities registered with the Department of Tourism. Cooking food in open areas is prohibited and violation of this rule may lead to prosecution besides seizure of cooking items and imposition of penalty up to Rs 50,000.
Tourists should refrain from hiring private vehicles/renting cabs/motorbikes that are not registered with the transport department and those that do not hold a valid permit. It added, “Tourists are advised not to entertain illegal touts or agents for booking water sports and river cruises. Tourists must insist on a registration certificate issued by the tourism department while booking such services and book such services only from registered travel agents or registered online portals.”
