Wednesday, April 5, 2023
The tourism budget has a happy index for Goans, according to Nilesh Shah, president of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa, since it focuses on education, infrastructure, and health, and there is no increase in fees and taxes for tourism-related activities in Goa (TTAG).
Speaking to The Goan, TTAG president stated that many of his organization’s proposals have been incorporated into the budget, which is a very positive development.
“TTAG had suggested a series of recommendations for Goa’s budget for 2023-24 for the improvement and streamlining of the tourism sector few of them which were mentioned in budget,” said Shah.
“There has been no increase in fees and taxes in tourism-related activities. There is reduction in excise duty on high-end liquor to bring in quality tourists as well as an increase in revenue to the State (a lot of high-end liquor). There is promise of better transport facilities. The government has made provision of Rs 31.92 crore to purchase new electric buses. There is focus on home-stays in the hinterland,” said TTAG president.
Shah stated that the mention of completing existing tourism projects that have not been finished in many years is a positive start because the convention centre, Santa Monica Jetty, and an emphasis on road connection are all urgently needed.
“An announcement was made that entertainment policy for the State of Goa will be formed. We hope we see action in this regard at the earliest,” said Shah.
Visitors entering Goa with their vehicles will be properly scrutinised for paperwork at the borders and given a unique sticker to ensure that the owner of the vehicle is not harassed everywhere in the state – this was a long-pending demand of TTAG that will finally be executed. That will be beneficial for visitors travelling by road to Goa, according to Shah.
The entire tourism budget allocation is Rs 262 crore, of which a portion would be used to pay wages and administrative costs. This is 7% increase over last year’s budget allotment.
With no major tourism announcements, we hope that spending on infrastructure and focusing on ease of doing business, as well as the completion of major projects, will boost Goa tourism and benefit all stakeholders in the industry, as well as contribute to the sustainability of tourism in Goa, said the TTAG president.
“We also hope to see proper implementation and enforcement of all the measures announced so that all businesses are on a level playing field for growth of overall tourism industry. Chandor in South Goa would be developed as a heritage village to showcase the rich history of Goa, and we hope, in future the same will be replicated to other villages also,” said Shah.
Tags: goa, tourism budget
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
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