Islands to be developed for hinterland tourism
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, SEPT 27
Even as there are talks of dropping the controversial Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco, the self styled minister announced several tourism development initiatives for the State.
Speaking at a function organised jointly by Goa Tourism Development Corporation and Department of Tourism, Pacheco announced that uninhabited islands will be developed as a part of government initiative to promote hinterland tourism.
‘The government will construct jetties on these islands to promote tourism,’ Pacheco said.
Pacheco added that all this while the state was concentrating on promoting its pristine beaches.
‘…But we will make all efforts to promote hinterlands of Goa and the old monuments,’ he said.
Further, he said, ‘he is trying to get over Rs 70 crore from the Centre for the development of tourism related infrastructure.’
He said the government has planned to give facelift to St Monica Jetty.
‘The parking facility at the jetty will also be developed,’ he said.
On the beach cleaning, Pacheco said, ‘the department will start mechanised cleaning at several beaches while manual cleaning will continue at others.’
Felicitating the Drishti lifeguards, Pacheco said, ‘They have done tremendous job and saved several lives.’
GTDC Managing director Dr Benjamin Braganza, Tourism Director Swapnil Naik and OSD to minister Lyndon Monteiro were also present for the function.
