Plan your Goa holiday now, shacks expected soon

Tourists, both international and domestic, planning to come to Goa to enjoy the beauty of the sea seated in the beach shacks can start planning their visits soon.

“Once the rain settles, we will start demarcation for shacks and the owners will be able to start work thereafter,” promised Suneel Anchipaka, Director of the Tourism Department.

Shacks were seen on beaches late last season, only in December of 2023, leaving many tourists disgruntled. With demarcation starting soon and licenses already granted to many, beaches are expected to be dotted with structures that describe the other half of Goa.

“I think some shacks will be up or at least the work of setting up shacks will start by September 15. There could be some delay because of Ganesh festivities but we do not expect any problems this season,” affirmatively stated Cruz Cardozo, President of the Shack Owners Welfare Society.

Not all are so positive though. “It will be nice if the government and the stakeholders get the shacks up and running before the first charters arrive somewhere in the second week of October. It will be something good for the industry but I am still keeping my fingers crossed,” said Ernest Dias, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Sita Travels (India).

But hopes are alive. “We did request the government for a single-window clearance to ease licensing but despite not receiving a positive response, just the fact that licenses have been issued and the demarcation is starting soon is a good indication,” observed Cardozo.

Shacks have always been an extension of local hospitality to the shore with the shack cuisine meeting the need of tourists cooling under the shade after a dip in the sea. In the beginning, tea, biscuits and cookies were served on mattresses laid on beaches.

Later, coconut palms protected customers from the glare of the sun as they enjoyed their beer with omelettes or sandwiches. Now, there is a full menu.

“We have already started work on getting the necessary permissions in place. The rains these days have set us back by a few days otherwise we would have started work on getting our poles and other material ready,” says Severina Fernandes who still finds it difficult to get over last year’s disappointment.

Shack licenses were issued based on lots drawn last season and they are valid for three consecutive seasons.

“Many shack owners did not pay their fees last year as they were not sure of starting because of the delay in issuing licenses,” observed Cardozo, emphasising that those that did not pay the full amount last time around will be given the NOC for this season once the payment is made.

“We urge the immediate issuance of licenses that were held up from last year, so that the concerned shack owners can make the necessary payments for the upcoming season without further delay,” the Shack Owners Welfare Society (SOWF) wrote to the government on August 9, 2024.

“Like everyone else involved in the business, we are equally keen to see the season start on a positive note,” said Anchipaka, assuring assistance from the tourism department.

“We didn’t eat from the same plate last year because of many differences but the story is different now and when the going is good, it is right to say thanks and we are grateful to the chief minister this year,” stated Cardozo.

With the red flags removed from the beach, shack owners could be ready to welcome tourists well before the tourism cloud bursts over the coast.