Team Herald
PANJIM: Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said that his government’s focus is to promote Goa as a safe destination as it aims at making Goa the country’s first State to complete vaccination of all eligible persons by October 31.
Speaking on World Tourism Day, he also dwelt on hinterland, religious, eco, wellness; Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) and sports tourism besides beach tourism.
He admitted that the entire industry has been going through a hard time during the last 18 months owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and though resilience has been shown by the industry during the last season, the second wave of COVID brought the situation back to square one. However, the prospects are looking bright now, the Chief Minister added.
Sawant further said that his government is committed to start the Mopa International Airport from August 15, 2022 so that international tourism is not hampered by restrictions of timings for charters or international scheduled flights.
Considering the hardships, the industry is going through, the government has this year granted 50 per cent waiver in licence fees for shacks.
Sawant said Goa will soon get permission from the Centre to handle charter flights. “We are waiting for the charter flights to open. We have sought permission from the Central government and I am sure we will get permission to start charter operations in next few days,” he said.
