TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The union ministry for tourism has agreed to give Goa upto Rs 400 crore for tourism development provided it utilises the funds sanctioned and submits new proposals accordingly.
Presently Goa still has a pending amount of centrally sanctioned funds to the tune of Rs 50 crore which it hopes to utilise shortly.
Goa Tourism Tuesday also got a shot in the arm from the central ministry with Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi offering Goa all help to attract high end tourists for MICE (Meetings Incentives Conferences Exhibition) tourism and luxury tourism, as the State Tourism Ministry spelt out plans and proposals for developing Goa Tourism to Chiranjeevi in New Delhi Tuesday.
Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar met the union minister during the meeting of all State tourism ministers at Delhi and discussed wide range of issues concerning Goa tourism.
The union minister was impressed by the steps taken by Goa in ensuring safety and security of tourists through the constitution of the Tourist Police force and flying squads.
The union ministry, it is learnt has shown great interest in Goa’s well managed tourist security force and said that it would like to have this concept emulated in other tourist States in the country.
Goa also put forward a proposal for introducing a Ladies Tourist Security Force which went down well with the Central ministry.
The Goa tourism minister also discussed the issue of visa on arrival policy and inclusion of more international countries for grant of this facility, better facilities for foreign tourists at Goa airport, higher funding for Goa’s tourism infrastructure and better exposure for Goa in marketing and promotions undertaken by Ministry of Tourism in its ‘Incredible India’ campaign.
Parulekar impressed upon the Central ministry about the plans of the State Tourism Ministry towards ensuring growth of responsible tourism in the State and to provide sustainable employment opportunities for Goan youth.
