Panaji, Mar 17 (PTI) The Goa government is working to remove illegal touts who overcharge tourists and bring a bad reputation to the tourism industry, state Minister Rohan Khaunte said on Friday.

Also Read | Germany: Strikes at 4 airports ground hundreds of flights.

The tourism department is working on regulating water sports activities in the coastal state, Khaunte said, while addressing a gathering during the government's Prashasan Tumchya Dari (governance at your doorstep) programme in Margao town.

Also Read | Sextortion in Mumbai: Ghatkopar Resident Blackmailed With Nude Videos, Rs 5.45 Lakh Extorted After Being Lured Into Online Sex Over WhatsApp Call With Woman; Case Registered.

Touts who are responsible for overcharging tourists for water sports activities, affect the tourism industry in a big way, he said.

The state-run Goa Electronic Limited is working towards providing technological solution for the industry, specially for water sports, which will give tourists a better experience, Khaunte said.

He further claimed that some legislators were trying to mislead water sports operators claiming that the state government wants to privatise their trade.

“I assure you that the trade will not be privatised. On the other hand, by removing touts, we will make the business profitable,” Khaunte said.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)