The Goa Tourism Department is reviewing action against residential apartments, villas and flats being operated as short-term tourist accommodation without registration with the state tourism authorities, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has confirmed.

The proposed action comes as the state examines a recent Supreme Court order directing authorities across the country to seal residential premises being used for commercial activities. Goa is assessing the implications of the order for properties being commercially rented to tourists without the required tourism registration.

The issue has gained attention with the growth of what the state has described as a “parallel tourism” sector. A number of second-home owners, including buyers from outside Goa, are reportedly renting out properties in residential and gated complexes to tourists without registering them with the Goa Tourism Department.

While such rentals provide an additional source of income for property owners, the government has cited concerns relating to safety, security and disturbances for permanent residents. It has also raised concerns over potential tax leakages and the impact on registered C and D category hotels operating within the regulated tourism sector.

As part of the compliance measures, the state government has directed Online Travel Aggregators (OTAs) to ensure that only properties verified and registered with the Goa Tourism Department are listed on their platforms.

Residential properties being used for commercial tourism operations in violation of applicable zoning and registration requirements could face enforcement action, including closure and sealing, subject to the implementation of the judicial directions.

The move is expected to bring greater regulatory scrutiny to Goa’s short-term rental segment as the state seeks to bring tourist accommodation operating from residential premises within the regulated tourism framework.