Panaji: Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Friday pointed out to the large-scale self downgrading of categories by the starred hotels in the state, creating revenue loss to the state exchequer.
Khaunte told reporters in Porvorim that several starred hotels, including the five-star ones, who were supposed to be categorised in ‘A’ or ‘B’ category, are getting downgraded themselves to avoid paying higher fees to the state.
The minister also hinted at action being taken against his own tourism department officials, who were supposed to physically inspect these properties, before allotting the categories.
He said that the tourism department officials who are supposed to check these hotels and allot them the category would be under scanner.
Khaunte said that he has formed a team led by Tourism Director Kedar Naik which will inspect all the “tourism enterprises” across the state, cross checking which category they have been tagged in.
He said that the department has created different categories for these tourism establishment based on various factors. “The team will also check on the Registration of Hotels, Renewal of their registration and other aspects,” the minister said.
