Goa Prepares for Peak Winter Tourist Season: New Beach Shack Allotment Guidelines Issued
For the winter tourism season in the upcoming years 2026-27, the state government has decided to continue with its current Beach Shack Policy, which would be effective for a period of another year. It has come with certain regulatory mechanisms regarding beaches as well. Licences have already been issued by the Tourism Department to shack operators.
The government of Goa has announced an extension of its Beach Shack Policy 2023-26 until May 2027. There will be no increase in the license fees.
Beach Shack Licences and Allotment Process
The Tourism Department started issuing licenses for the 2026-27 season on September 10, 2026. The early schedule will give adequate time to the operators to fulfill all formalities and also prepare themselves adequately for this season.
This policy is relevant to all the temporary structures for the beach during the summer months such as beach shacks, deck beds, and umbrellas in the identified areas of public beaches. The allotment depends upon the availability of the sites and the statutory permissions.
In case there are more eligible applicants than the sites available, the allotment will take place through the prescribed method that includes a draw of lots. The extension also continues with the existing fee structure.
New Registration Rules for Private Beach Shacks
One significant development in this area is that of the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade (Amendment) Act, 2026. This Act mandates that the tourist trade businesses that run their private shacks inside the Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ) be registered with the Tourism Department.
This ensures that those establishments which were not previously registered are now under a certain regulatory regime.
Strict Guidelines for Beach Operations
The extended policy requires that operators adhere to environmental and operating conditions. These entail proper waste disposal, sanitation, fire safety, CCTV, identification of staff, and adherence to the required construction materials.
Subleasing of shacks is not allowed, and operators should make sure that there are no sewage and waste disposals on beaches. There are special conditions for ecologically sensitive turtle-nesting beaches, which include limitations to lighting and loud music beyond 6 pm.
The policy also stipulates that temporary structures should be dismantled within the stipulated time after the tourist season.
Goa Expects Strong Winter Tourism Activity
It is anticipated that the initial licensing process will assist in getting ready for the peak winter season for beach-based activities. Coastal spots such as Baga, Calangute, Anjuna, Colva, and Palolem continue to attract many tourists.
Tourism development and environmental conservation, alongside the organised management of beaches, are two goals which the government wants to achieve. As the licensing process has become clear, and the fees have not changed, Goa hopes to create a favorable business environment for shack operators.
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