PANJIM: The dilapidated residencies run by Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) will soon see a makeover starting with those on the beaches of Miramar, Anjuna and Colva, and the former dormitory Britona.
“Some of the residencies require revamping as they are 40-50 year old. I (GTDC) do not have a whopping amount which is why we have entered into a JV for a certain number of years wherein the revenue will be shared (between the agency and the GTDC). We don’t have much investment and as such JV is a good option,” he told Herald.
The mid-segment Miramar Residency that also offers cottages is set to upgrade itself into a 5-star hotel. The structure is nevertheless not as bad as other older residencies like Mapusa and Colva.
Bharat Infra has signed an agreement to handle the Miramar and Anjuna residencies while Eco Tech Hotels Pvt Ltd and Hotel Polo Towers will take care of Britona and Colva properties respectively. Britona, that earlier operated as a dormitory and has been shut for the last few years.
Sources said the JV is for a period of 50-60 years and GTDC will get around 5 percent of the gross earnings from each residency every year without investing anything. “GTDC will earn without spending anything but it doesn’t mean that residencies are sold out. It is just a leave and license agreement, a GTDC official said, will be determined by the market.
The amount earned through these properties will be channelized to renovate other residencies, which are not a part of any venture. “To start with, we will develop Mapusa, Margao and Vasco residencies. These are in a pathetic state considering their age,” Cabral said also raising the possibility of grant-in-aid from the government. Similarly, the earning from the JV will also be utilised for hinterland tourism. While Selaulim and Sanquelim properties are also to follow the same concept, GTDC will go for a fresh tender for Kesarval, Mayem and Farmagudi.
