When planning to visit Goa for vacations or other purposes, there is one small change one must adhere to before clicking selfies or photos with other tourists, and that is to ask their permission before doing so to respect privacy.
Goa Tourism has recently issued a tourist advisory and the set of directives is aimed at protecting the privacy of travelers, ensuring their safety and avoiding being cheated by unscrupulous elements among other things.
“Do not take selfies and photographs, without the permission of other tourists/strangers, especially while sunbathing or swimming in the sea, to respect their privacy,” according to the notice issued on Thursday.
According to the notice, tourists are prohibited from taking selfies in dangerous places such as steep cliffs and sea rocks to avoid accidents, and it also highlights various other issues related to the tourism industry.
The department has advised travelers visiting the coastal state not to destroy or damage heritage sites by scribbling graffiti or resorting to other forms of defacing monuments.
“Do not hire illegal private taxis. Insist on metered fares to avoid overcharging,” the notice said, asking visitors to diligently follow all rules.
It has advised travelers to book accommodation in legal hotels/villas or accommodation facilities registered with the Department of Tourism.
“Alcohol consumption in open areas such as beaches, etc. is prohibited and is a punishable offense. However, alcohol can be consumed responsibly within legally licensed premises such as shacks/restaurants, hotels, etc.
The department has said that tourists in Goa, which receives thousands of tourists every year from various parts of India and abroad, should refrain from hiring private vehicles, taxis or motorbikes that are not registered with the transport department and do not have a valid license. permission.
“Tourists are advised not to entertain illegal vendors or agents to book water sports and river cruises. Tourists should insist on obtaining a registration certificate issued by the tourism department when booking such services and book such services only from registered travel agents or registered online portals,” he said.
The notice has said that cooking food in open areas is prohibited and violation of this rule may result in prosecution in addition to seizure of the kitchen items and imposition of a penalty of up to $50,000.