Stricter rules recommended for rent-a-car services
Panaji: In order to improve transport services in the state and to provide better facilities to tourists, the Goa Tourism Board on Tuesday proposed to regulate taxi fares at airports, railway stations and cruise terminals and offer user-friendly service with uniform pricing.
The Board also recommended stricter regulations for rent-a-car services that are used widely by tourists. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant chaired the fifth meeting of Goa Tourism Board at Mantralaya.
The meeting focussed on deliberating and deciding on important matters to bolster Goa’s tourism sector, which recently came under flak. Sawant said an important discussion was held on infrastructure development at cruise terminals with the idea of establishing Goa as a home port for cruise liners. There are plans to incorporate Wi-Fi, washrooms, pathways, lounges, hotels, waiting areas and faster security checks, Sawant said.
Initiatives to promote cultural tourism such as the Ekadasha Teerth Circuit, global campaigns to counter misinformation and familiarisation tours were also deliberated at the meeting.
In order to attract more events to the state, the Board proposed a single-window clearance system for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) and weddings.
Issues like the importance of maintaining cleanliness on beaches and at other tourist spots, enhancing beach safety protocols and addressing illegal constructions at key tourist locations were also discussed.
The Chief Minister said the state government and the Goa Tourism Board remain committed to receiving feedback and adopting forward-looking policies to strengthen and expand the scope of tourism, ensuring that Goa continues to shine as a world-class destination.
Minister for Tourism and Information Technology Rohan Khaunte, Chairman of Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ganesh Gaonkar, Chief Secretary Dr V Candavelou, IAS and other board members were present for the meeting.
Khaunte said the government is in the process of initiating various new plans to streamline tourism activities in the state.
“Though some influencers tried to malign the image of Goa tourism, the figures released on Monday welcomingly show that Goa is the preferred premier destination of tourists and it would continue to be so. This is the time for us to promote tourism in new emerging markets to ensure tourists feel welcomed in Goa,” Khaunte said.
