Beach Shack Policy Extended by One Year; Licences to Be Issued from September 10
Early renewal process to ensure shacks are operational for the upcoming tourist season; fee structure retained to support shack operators
Panaji, September 09, 2026: Goa Tourism has extended the existing Beach Shack Policy by one year, providing continuity to shack operators and ensuring that the State’s iconic beach shacks are ready to welcome tourists for the upcoming season.
The Tourism Department will begin issuing licences from September 10, with the renewal process being taken up early to ensure that shacks can be operational well ahead of the ensuing tourist season. The move is aimed at avoiding the delays and giving operators greater certainty to prepare their businesses in advance.
The fee structure has been retained without any increase, taking into consideration the difficulties faced by shack operators during the previous season amid global uncertainty and challenging business conditions.
Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte said the decision is focused on giving the sector stability while ensuring that visitors continue to have access to one of Goa’s most recognisable tourism experiences.
“The beach shack is an integral part of Goa’s tourism identity and an important source of livelihood for thousands of people. Extending the policy and keeping the fee structure unchanged gives operators the stability they need to prepare for the season, while our early licensing process ensures that tourists do not have to wait for the experience Goa is known for. We want the season to begin with the shacks ready, the operators prepared and the tourism ecosystem working from day one,” said Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte.
The extension also comes alongside a key regulatory change introduced through the notified Goa Registration of Tourist Trade (Amendment) Act, 2026, which makes registration with the Tourism Department mandatory for all private shacks operating in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas.
The requirement is aimed at bringing greater oversight and accountability to private shack operations while ensuring that tourism activity along Goa’s coastline operates within the applicable regulatory framework.
Director for Tourism Shri Kedar Naik said the Department has prioritised an earlier licensing cycle to give shack operators adequate time to set up and prepare for the arrival of visitors.
“Our priority has been to complete the renewal process early rather than have shack operators lose valuable time waiting for licences. Starting the issuance process on September 10 gives operators the opportunity to get their establishments ready well in advance. Additionally, they will get the Ganesh Chaturthi weekend to welcome and cater to the tourists. At the same time, the mandatory registration of private shacks in CRZ areas will help bring greater clarity and accountability to beach operations,” said Tourism Director Kedar Naik.
The extension of the policy is expected to provide greater predictability for shack operators, who form an important part of Goa’s coastal tourism economy. With licences being issued from September 10, the Department is working towards ensuring that the beach shack network is in place as tourists begin arriving for the new season.
The move also reinforces Goa Tourism’s focus on maintaining a balance between business continuity, visitor experience and responsible management of the State’s coastal tourism infrastructure.
