TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Government is now exploring River Tourism to promote Goa by using the 350 kms inland waterways and link these to eco-tourism, hinterland tourism and heritage tourism spots.
Sources say that plans are being chalked out on how to utilise Goa’s waterways for tourism purpose using marine vessels with the hop-on hop off concept. The stakeholders in the industry have expressed confidence that this would be an attractive concept giving Goa tourism a new dimension.
“This plan of introducing river tourism is excellent and supplemented with promotion of hinterland tourism, eco-tourism and heritage tourism, Goa will embark on green tourism which is the need of the hour,” said Ralph D’Souza, spokesperson of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa.
D’Souza was addressing the media as part of the curtain raiser for the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) conference to be held next week on ‘Riding the next wave of green practices’.
He said the new concept will reduce pressure on transport and roads and in addition focus on other issues irking the industry. He said that presently garbage is a very serious issue in Goa and workable solutions are in the offing from the government in the next couple of months.
“At the moment the hotels are doing their bit through re-cycling, composting and treatment of waste,” he claimed.
D’Souza however stressed on the need for introduction of green practices and modules which would make tourism ‘green’ and simultaneously keep Goa clean through conservation of energy and other alternatives.
Pamela Mascarenhas, Deputy Director of Tourism said, “All efforts are being made to preserve Goa’s heritage, architecture and art and culture and as part of the endeavour whatever green practices available and possible should be followed.”
The one day long conference being held on January 19 is expected to deliberate to a host of issues linking tourism and the industry to green practices. While most of Goa top officials in the tourism ministry will be addressing the conference, several other key persons from the industry and involved in the ‘green practices will also be participating in the CII initiative.
