Earlier in the week the state government decided not to permit ‘liberal tourism’ in the
wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic across the world. The Division Bench
sought an explanation from the government about what it meant by ‘liberal
tourism’. A very valid question one might add. Given that the virus is still
around and causing much misery, how will the industry go ahead and function
during the forthcoming season. And yes, the third wave is expected sometime during
October or November. Trade organisations like the CII had sent over their
recommendations to the authorities.
Menino D souza, Director of Tourism, Govt
of Goa said they would abide by the protocols and the relaxations as laid down
by the state authorities. He said whatever was applicable; they would go ahead
with what was decided by the government. Menino said “Whoever is coming to Goa
be it a business visitor or a tourist, they will need their Covid certificate.
We have issued protocols to the hospitality sector; the hotels know what the
procedure is that they have to follow for Covid appropriate behavior. Unless
this is followed, they will not get permissions. These procedures are still
there. Nothing is taken away. The entry of the tourist is authorized by the
authorities.” With regards to important players like the shack owners, he said
last year, quite a few had not opened because of the poor business but this
year, they had expressed an interest in opening the shacks in September. The
files, he said, had been moved and things would move along. He did not foresee
any special protocol being put in place for hotels or shacks or other service
providers. He said hotels had a cap of 50 percent with regards to guests and
that would stay. Menino said enforcement was important and it was important
that when crowds were present, the authorities would have to ensure that
protocols were followed. That he said was the only way forward.
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A senior official in the government machinery who wanted to stay
anonymous said the state had faced a similar situation last year with peoples
livelihood was at stake. Tourism in Goa was characterized as a major economic
activity. Last year there was a silver lining when between October and January
there were tremendous footfalls and a new term was coined called revenge
tourism. These four months he said saved many families from hunger, being
thrown out of their homes and importantly paying off monthly EMI for loans.
People, he said, needed money for the challenges ahead because no relief had
been granted by the government which was unfortunate. The industry he said had
given much to the state by way of infrastructure development and foreign
exchange. There were enough indicators that when state governments and the
government at the centre gave indications, there would be huge footfalls at
hill stations. According to data from the Airport Authority of India, flights
were increasing which meant more people were visiting the state. Flights he
revealed from GCC areas were also increasing. This was leading to economic
activity which resulted in income generation. The fear of the third wave was
there but the government had done its bit and now it was up to the stakeholders
and the visitors to know the pros and cons and act accordingly. Speaking about
the authorities and their responsibilities, he admitted there were several
departments who had to do their bit but the entire onus was placed on the
tourism ministry. Pressure he said had to be exerted on all the departments so
that everyone did their job and anyone who came here would be forced to follow
the protocols even when the police were not around.
Ernest Dias of Sita said everyone had to take the
responsibilities and ensure everyone followed the protocols. This he said was
important for the industry to move ahead smoothly in the season that would
hopefully happen in a couple of months. He said “We cannot afford another bad
season; it will have a serious effect on the industry. Let us hope and pray it
all works out fine.”
Atul Jadhav Chairman of the CII Goa said a letter to the state
government requested that a blanket exemption for 18 months on statutory dues,
licenses and permits and auto- renewal of licenses without any fees till
December 2022. They sought a reduction in stamp duty and transaction charges.
This they felt would result in development and growth of the Industry as
organizations and entrepreneurs would be encouraged to take up new projects.
There was also a need for a policy change in respect of registration of lease
document of hotels and restaurants with land revenue department with proposed
registration fees of 1% of the overall lease amount payable 8 annually from the
existing 10% and one time relation of any penalty/arrears to the
hotels/restaurants whose lease agreement is unregistered till date. This would
encourage most leased hotels/restaurants to register their lease deed and
ensure compliance.
The
bottom line is that everyone concerned will have to do their bit from the
authorities at the border, the personnel at the various hotels and restaurants
and more importantly the visitor comply with all the regulations. That’s the
only way forward.
