PANJIM: In a bid to revive the tourism sector, which has been adversely affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Goa government has sought a special financial package from the Centre to support and promote the industry, which serves as a major backbone of the State’s economy.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said he has written to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman seeking a special package to promote the tourism industry, with a focus on hinterland tourism.
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The statement comes a day after tourism stakeholders expressed completely displeasure over the reduction of budgetary allocation to the tourism sector by 19 per cent in the Union Budget.
Speaking to media persons, Sawant said that the tourism industry has been hit hard due to the COVID-19 pandemic and for its revival there is need of support from the Centre. He said that Goa’s economy is dependent on four parameters – tourism, mining, industry and agriculture.
“Pandemic has severely affected tourism activity in Goa. We have not received tourism related revenue this time. Also, the mining industry is shut due to the ban imposed by the Supreme Court,” Sawant said, and added, “Given these conditions, whatever assistances we could give, we have already given to the people of the State.”
Sawant said that he has sent a special request to the Finance Minister to grant a special package to the State to promote tourism, particularly hinterland tourism activity. “I am confident, we will get the assistance. From the coming season, State would be in better position to promote and encourage hinterland tourism,” he claimed.
The Central government has announced a Rs 300 crore budgetary allocation to Goa to celebrate the 60th Goa Liberation year. While the Chief Minister announced that the money would be spent on human and infrastructure development, the tourism industry has demanded that government should spend at least 50 per cent of this amount for the revival of tourism.
