Team Herald
PANJIM: In a significant step towards enhancing the tourism experience in Goa, the Goa Tourism Board convened its fifth meeting, focusing on key issues such as infrastructure developments at cruise terminals and the regulation of transport services, including
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taxi services.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant chaired the meeting on Tuesday at Mantralaya, Porvorim. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sawant said, “The meeting focused on deliberating and deciding on important matters to bolster Goa’s
tourism sector.”
Key discussions centered on infrastructure improvements at the cruise terminals, with plans to incorporate Wi-Fi, washrooms, pathways, lounges, hotels, waiting areas, faster security checks, and the development of Goa as a home port for cruise liners.
To improve transport services, the Board proposed the introduction of regulated taxi fares at airports, railway stations, and cruise terminals. The proposal also included offering uniform pricing and introducing stricter regulations for rent-a-car services.
In a bid to promote cultural tourism, the Board discussed several initiatives, including the Ekadasha Teerth Circuit, global campaigns to counter misinformation, familiarisation (FAM) tours, and targeted marketing campaigns aimed at foreign media. A single-window clearance system for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and weddings was also suggested to attract more events to the state, as tweeted by the Chief Minister.
The meeting also underlined the importance of maintaining cleanliness at beaches and tourist spots, improving beach safety protocols, and addressing illegal constructions at key tourist locations.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said, “Chief Minister Pramod Sawant gave directions on issues like ease of doing business. We presented the outcome of the meetings with stakeholders that we had on Monday. We said that we need intervention from various departments to address some issues because tourism is a department but the tourism industry is a collective responsibility. Whether there is an issue of dogs, stray cattle or touts, various departments have to intervene. We have urged him to call for a meeting with the chief secretary and go ahead. We will have to make a plan to ensure that good tourism takes place.”
On the issue of social influencers claiming a ‘decline’ in tourism in the state, Khaunte said, “We have already shared the figures. The figures should plug the miscommunication or attempt to malign the image of the state. Let us not give more importance to them. The numbers have been respectable and better than previous years. Let us work for better numbers and better tourism this time.”
Jack Sukhija, President of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), said, “The meeting was held for the first time after 2023.
