MARGAO: Deputy Chairman of the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) G P Rai has dashed off a letter about the cruise ship incident that took place on Wednesday, to Goa’s Tourism Minister, the South Goa Collector, South Goa Superintendent of Police (SP) and the Mormugao Deputy Collector.
The Deputy Chairman requested that stringent action needs to be taken to curtail repetition of such incidents outside the MPA gate so that the good image of Goa as well as the country is safeguarded.
“Such incidents will damage the reputation of Goa, and international tourists will refrain from coming to Goa again. The entire emphasis and efforts given for cruise tourism by the government of Goa will go in vain,” said Rai.
“This type of hooliganism/nuisance, not only spoils the image of Goa, but it will give negative publicity for the country and for the international tourists. In the past, on several occasions, the port has taken up this issue with the police and other authorities to combat such incidents so that passengers can have smooth passage to see Goa and leave with fond memories,” Rai added.
“Today, on 14.12.2022, three cruise vessels simultaneously berthed at MPA, which is a very rare occasion. However, it is unfortunate that an incident happened outside the MPA gate, when the pre-booked luxury coaches, arranged by tour operator for the sightseeing of the passengers were blocked by the taxi drivers and forced passengers to go back to the vessel without giving any opportunity for them to explore Goa. This incident has also deprived the State of Goa,” Rai explained.
“Cruise Tourism is one of the most important tourist activities for Goa as well as the country. The Government of India is giving a lot of emphasis to promoting and developing tourism in the country. Goa being of the most preferred destination, the port is investing huge on the development of a state of the art International and Domestic Cruise Terminal at MPA. The port is also extending huge relaxations to the cruise industry so as to attract more and more cruise vessels to the port,” Rai emphasised.
