Panaji: Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Wednesday said that the Tourist Information Management System (TIME) software will be made mandatory for all hotels and homestays in Goa from April 1 to ensure comprehensive data collection on tourist arrivals.
Responding to a query by St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar in the assembly, Khaunte stated that Goa recorded an average tourism growth of 22% in 2024, with hotels running at full occupancy between October and December and flights arriving with full capacity.
Borkar sought details on the expenditure for promoting tourism and Goa’s cultural heritage. When the minister did not provide specifics, the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) MLA accused the tourism department of corruption and scams.
He also criticised the promotion of casinos outside railway stations and airports, pointing to cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Kochi, where local culture and heritage are showcased to attract visitors.
Defending the department’s promotional strategies, Khaunte said Goa Tourism extensively uses social media platforms to promote festivals such as Carnival, Shigmo, the Spirit of Goa Festival, and the Food and Cultural Festival. Advertisements are also released through print and electronic media, while festival-related content is uploaded on the Department of Tourism and Goa Tourism Development Corporation websites. Additionally, jingles promoting these events are broadcast on radio.
The minister stated that a year-round festival calendar is being prepared. However, he said that there are challenges in supply and demand, like shortage of rooms due to the increasing number of tourist arrivals.
Dissatisfied with the minister’s response, Borkar trooped into the well of the House demanding a ruling from the Speaker under Rule 37 of the Goa Legislative Assembly’s conduct of proceedings for not furnishing a reply.
