NT Reporter
Panaji
Food and beverage (F&B) experience zones at different locations in the state for tourists to enjoy themselves better are on the cards, with the government proposing to set up two such hubs initially at Colva and Mala.
In both locations, the F&B centres will cover over 400 sqm of land each, although the government may also identify additional land parcels for the project.
In Colva, the land allocated for the project is orchard land, while in Mala, the land falls under the public, semi-public, government, institutional, and religious category. With the aim of enhancing the overall tourism experience, the Department of Tourism intends to introduce a network of integrated F&B experience facilities across multiple locations in the state. The facilities will offer improved services and amenities.
The tender floated for the project states that each integrated F&B experience facility will be designed as a multi-functional space that not only provides visitors with diverse gastronomic options but also serves as a collaborative hub.
“They will enable tourists to connect, engage, and enjoy a shared environment that fosters productivity and community,” states the tender.
The hubs are proposed to be developed under the PPP mode, with the department inviting private partners to establish and operate the facilities. The tender document states that the integrated F&B experience facilities will be temporary structures, with private partners encouraged to use a maximum of eco-friendly materials.
However, the company will be permitted to use a healthy mix of any building construction materials, considering factors such as weather, climate, and issues like seepage, leakage, moisture, and strength.
“The licensee will have the freedom to design the overall theme of the integrated F&B facility and provide air-conditioning, electrical, plumbing and lighting systems, as well as sanitation, drainage, and furnishing, among others. The facilities will have amenities such as a kitchen, seating area, bar counter, and reception. They will offer high-quality food on independent commercial terms and serve exotic food and beverages to customers,” says the tender document.
It further states that the licensee will be responsible for garbage and sewage management of the facilities and must apply for the necessary NOCs and permissions from different departments, viz. the TCP, panchayat, health department, etc. The Tourism Department plans to award licences for the F&B hubs for a period of 15 years, extendable by a further 15 years. The project will have to be completed within 180 days after signing the agreement with the government.
