NT Reporter
Panaji
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday called upon Goan youth to take up the business of keeping Goa clean and green.
“Cleaning and greening are the two new areas where we need entrepreneurs, and the government is ready to pay for it,” said Sawant at the Rural Accelerator Programme 2026, held at the Kala Academy to felicitate Goans who own homestays.
Congratulating women for taking up the homestay business, Sawant said the government is spending crores on contractors for planting 10 lakh trees along the national highways.
“Entrepreneurs who take up contract work for maintaining the trees are presently needed. The maintenance work is not difficult and requires just a few hours daily to look after the trees,” he said.
Sawant said that Goans engaged in tourism-related businesses are the true ambassadors of the state. “Tourists require cleanliness and greenery. The government is committed to strengthening Goa’s homestay ecosystem in a phased manner by encouraging more local participation, improving quality standards, and expanding opportunities for communities to benefit from tourism-led economic development,” he said.
A total of 27 homestay owners were felicitated and given a grant of Rs 2.5 lakh each by the tourism department to sustain their businesses. The homestay entrepreneurs are from Valpoi, Netravali, Banastarim, Bicholim and other areas.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte urged the homestay owners never
to compromise on quality. Recognising their contribution towards strengthening community-based tourism and generating sustainable livelihoods, he said that
100 homestays were identified for promoting rural tourism under the state’s Homestay Bed & Breakfast Policy announced in 2022. An MoU was signed between the Department of Tourism, Airbnb, FIDR and the Goa Livelihood Forum for handholding the homestay owners.
“Tourism is more than checking into hotels. It is an ecosystem that includes local food, culture, heritage, temples, churches and villages,” said Khaunte.
