PANJIM: Goa Tourism
Development Corporation (GTDC) has decided to outsource four of its 11
Residences (properties) to private parties for a lease period of 60 years in a
bid to generate revenue.
The Corporation also
announced that it won’t go ahead with the proposed yacht club and marina at its
Britona property, which has been undertaken for development through private
investment mode, if villagers have reservation over the project.
Speaking to media persons,
GTDC Chairman Nilesh Cabral said that in a bid to generate revenue for the
corporation, it has been decided to outsource the residences at Miramar, Old
Goa, Britona and Anjuna for redevelopment through public private partnership
(PPP) model for 60 years.
“After 60 years, the
property will be handed back to GTDC,” Cabral said, rubbishing allegations that
the government is selling Goa to private players. “If we are outsourcing four
properties, we are retaining seven,” he added.
Following growing opposition
to the Britona property development, the GTDC chairman said that for now the
priority is to build the starred hotel and under CSR funding provide extended
facilities like fish market to the locals.
“There is plan of marina and
yacht club but it is a future plan. But if the people don’t want it, we will
not go ahead with it,” he said adding that a presentation on the renovation and
development of Britona Residency would be done to the Panchayat next week.
In another decision, to
promote hinterland tourism, GTDC is exploring the possibility of financing home
stays that would be promoted by the corporation. The concept would be
introduced in the talukas of Sattari, Pernem, Canacona, Quepem and Sanguem.
Cabral said the corporation
will identify people who want to associate with GTDC and would be provided
finance for development of home stays. “GTDC will also ensure business to these
people,” he said.
