In a six-page letter to the Director of Tourism, the hoteliers have drawn the attention of the administration to the inconsistencies of the Goa Tourism Master Plan (GTMP).
Raising the issue of Mopa and its disadvantages to tourism in the South Goa, the letter says, “The most important aspect that needs to be dealt with is the proposed new airport at Mopa. This will have a severe detrimental effect on tourism and other related business of central and south Goa.”
The hotels said that the proposed Mopa airport is 80 km north from Dabolim, whereas most of the luxury five star hotels are located in South Goa. The distance between the proposed airport and South Goa would increase from 60 kms to 125 kms and a high-paying tourist reaching Goa after 3-6 hours of air travel would resist a further travel of 3-4 hours by road to reach South Goa.
“This would result in lack of tourist interest in South Goa and considerable decline in tourism along with tour operators, water sports, taxi drivers, local artisans, craftsmen, restaurants, shop owners,” said the group of hotels.
“Having recently invested around Rs 500 crore for upgrading the infrastructure of Dabolim Airport, there is no need for a second airport in a small state like Goa. The proposed Mopa airport would be a colossal waste of public money,” the letter reads as.
The Hoteliers of South Goa have also raised the issue of lack of developed road network and highlighted the absence of a specific plan to address the adverse economic impact that the hotels, restaurants and commercial establishments in Goa will have to suffer as a result of the proposed new airport at Mopa.
