Team Herald
MAPUSA: In a dramatic statement, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that some outside forces are working to shut down tourism activities in the State.
“Some forces not only outside the State but also outside the country are trying to shut down tourism in Goa. Earlier similar forces shut down the mining activities for last 10 years and we all know how the State economy suffered,” Sawant said, while speaking at the all-Goa star making and Carol singing competition at Parra-Tinto on Thursday night.
Sawant further said, “Being a tourist destination, we have welcomed tourists and provided better facilities to them and we will continue to do so. We want quality tourists to visit the State and while we welcome the year 2023 let us give a message to the world that Goa is not only a tourism destination but a tourism capital of India. Let us work towards maintaining the same,” he asserted.
The Chief Minister said, “If we don’t preserve the nature and cleanliness then we will lose tourists coming to Goa. Goa is a progressive State and with projects such as Mopa international airport, AYUSH Hospital and Zuari bridge, the double engine government had created infrastructure required for next 50 years. Government departments are working towards sustainable development”, he added.
Giving Christmas message of, peace, love and brotherhood prevailing among Goans, he said, there are no communal disturbances in the State and Goa is the only State which is practically following the Uniform Civil Code, existing in the State.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, Siolim MLA Delialah Lobo, Saligao MLA Kedar Naik, Parish Priest, Parra Citizens Forum president Edwin Lobo and others were also present.
Nearly 2000 persons participated in the eighth all-Goa star making contest and 15 groups took part in the fifth all-Goa Carol singing competition organised by the Parra Citizens Forum.
