Team Herald

PORVORIM: The government has proposed re-launching stalled tourism projects in the coming financial year for commercial use and to construct a mini helipad at the existing helipad at Dhauji in Old Goa.

The Budget document tabled by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday stated that the government aims at offering effortless travel and excellent experience to tourists. 

“With the aim of effortless travel and providing excellent experience for the tourists, five double and five single-decker hop on and hop off bus services will be introduced, initially in North Goa tourist circuit during the financial year 2017-18 through Goa Tourism Development Corporation. Similarly, amphibious bus service will be commercially launched to provide tourists wholesome experience of Goan backwaters and to efficiently utilise inland waters of Goa for promotion of high end tourism,” Parrikar said. 

The amphibian joyride and seaplanes service are pending due to Central clearance. The double-decker buses await permission from the Transport Department. The stalled projects are likely to now start rolling. 

The government has also proposed to construct a mini helipad at Dhauji in a bid to generate jobs for local youth and promote high end tourism facilities.

In another initiative, Parrikar proposed a modern facility for tourists which will include a Tourist Arrival Center, Mini Boat Cruise Terminal and other modern facilities at Santa Monica Jetty at Patto. Similarly, Heritage Boat Cruise facilities will be offered to tourists to promote hinterland and heritage tourism in River Mandovi. He also spoke of using ex-servicemen for tourist security force on lines with the concept at GMC.