Goa perfect for heritage tourism, says IHHA
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JUNE 9
The Indian Heritage Hotels Association has observed Goa has a strong potential for heritage tourism and the same could be promoted in a big way by bringing in a separate policy for promotion of heritage hotels and tourism as in Madhya Pradesh and some other states.
IHHA observed providing the requisite facilities as per the heritage policy will boost tourism and eventually lead to employment and revenue generation in Goa. The IHHA is holding its Executive Committee meeting at the Welcomheritage Panjim Inn on June 20, 2010, where Goa’s heritage will be broadly discussed. The meeting will be presided by the Maharaja of Jodhpur.
The association said a number of villages in Goa could be nominated as heritage villages and these could represent both the Hindu and Catholic aspects of Goan culture. Assagao, Saligao, Aldona, Siolim, Marcel, Savoi Verem, Mardol, Loutolim, Chandor, Rivona are some of the places which could possibly be converted into heritage villages, IHHA stated.
It mentioned due to the ravages of time, changing financial circumstances and increased family sizes some of the heritage houses in the State were in a state of neglect. “With renovation the heritage houses would be ideal for conversion into small heritage hostelries and guest houses for home stays,” it stated further.
Besides the villages, IHHA observed there were a number of heritage zones in urban Goa which have a large number of heritage properties.
“Typical examples were Fontainhas in Panjim, Borda in Margao, Ribandar, etc. The properties located here fall under the conservation zone and no changes can be made to their facades. These heritage zones could be ideal for locations for guesthouses, restaurants, art galleries and boutiques,” it stated.
IHHA was formed in 1990 to unite hotels in the country operating in buildings like forts, castles, palaces, traditional residences, ‘havelis’ or period buildings built prior to 1950 and having their own distinctive architecture, ambience and history.
