Registration Mandatory for Temporary Shacks, Huts and Cottages in Private Properties; Goa Tourism Extends Application Deadline to October 31
Move aimed at ensuring regulatory compliance, responsible coastal tourism and better tourist experience during 2026–27 season
Panaji, September 10, 2026: The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, has made registration mandatory for temporary shacks, huts and cottages operating in private properties, including those falling within Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas, as part of efforts to strengthen regulatory compliance and promote responsible tourism ahead of the 2026–27 tourist season.
The Department has also extended the last date for submission of applications for new registration or renewal of permission for temporary shacks and temporary huts/cottages in private properties to October 31, 2026.
The requirement follows the provisions of the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade (Amendment) Act, 2026, under which persons intending to operate temporary shacks or huts in private properties within CRZ areas, as per the applicable CRZ Notification, are required to apply for registration with the prescribed authority.
Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, said, “Goa’s beaches are an important part of our tourism identity, and our focus is on ensuring that tourism activity around them is well-managed, responsible and beneficial to both visitors and local communities. Mandatory registration of temporary shacks and huts on private properties is an important step towards bringing greater accountability and regulatory compliance to this segment.”
He added, “Our approach is not about moving away from Goa’s beach tourism, but about building around it responsibly. The continued development of coastal tourism must go hand in hand with environmental compliance, proper regulation and a quality visitor experience. This is aligned with our larger vision of responsible and regenerative tourism, where tourism growth creates value for local communities while protecting the character of our destination.”
Director for Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, said, “The registration requirement is intended to ensure that temporary shacks, huts and cottages operating on private properties comply with the applicable legal, regulatory and CRZ requirements. We have extended the application deadline to October 31 to provide eligible operators sufficient time to complete the process. We urge all operators to use this opportunity to submit their applications and ensure that their establishments are duly registered before the tourist season gathers momentum.”
Application forms are available on the official website of the Department of Tourism. Duly filled forms, along with the requisite documents and applicable processing fees, can be submitted at the Registration Facilitation Centre (RFC), Paryatan Bhavan, Patto, Panaji, or the RFC, South Zone Office, Mathany Saldanha Complex, Margao, during working days up to 5.00 p.m.
The registration certificate will remain valid up to May 31 of the respective tourist season or until the validity of the applicable CRZ permission, whichever is earlier, subject to the provisions of the Act, Rules and applicable terms and conditions.
The Department has cautioned that operating a private shack or hut without proper registration can attract a penalty of up to ₹1 lakh under the amended Act. Failure to comply with the penalty provisions can also lead to further action, including sealing of the business premises and disconnection of water and electricity supply.
The initiative forms part of Goa Tourism’s wider focus on responsible beach and coastal tourism, with emphasises on better beach management, environmental compliance, tourist experience and sustainable tourism-linked livelihoods.
