In a significant move aimed at enhancing safety standards across Goa’s thriving tourism industry, the Fire & Security Association of India (FSAI), Goa Chapter, has proposed the creation of a Goa Hospitality Safety Council and an integrated hospitality safety policy. The recommendations were submitted to Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte through a comprehensive White Paper designed to improve safety, security, and resilience across the State’s hospitality sector.
The proposal comes at a time when Goa is witnessing rapid growth in hotels, resorts, villas, homestays, restaurants, and other tourism-related infrastructure. According to FSAI Goa, safeguarding visitors, employees, and local communities must be viewed not merely as a regulatory obligation but as a strategic imperative for sustainable tourism development.
Among the paper’s key recommendations are the introduction of a single-window digital approval system, AI-assisted building plan scrutiny, risk-based inspections, mandatory third-party annual safety audits, digital maintenance logbooks, and QR code-based certification mechanisms. The document also advocates certification programmes for Fire Marshals and Safety Officers, along with the adoption of smart technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), smart fire detection systems, and digital twin technology.
The White Paper was developed following the National Conclave on Safe & Secure Hospitality held in Panaji and incorporates inputs from government authorities, hospitality leaders, architects, engineers, emergency services professionals, academicians, and safety experts. The consultations highlighted challenges such as fragmented approval processes, inconsistent regulatory interpretation, limited inter-departmental coordination, and gaps in emergency preparedness.
Drawing on global best practices, the document outlines 30 policy recommendations under six strategic themes and proposes a phased five-year implementation roadmap. If adopted, the measures could strengthen visitor confidence, improve operational efficiency, and reinforce Goa’s reputation as a safe and sustainable tourism destination.
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