Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced a strategic push to promote MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions), spiritual, sports, and wellness tourism to enhance the state’s appeal as a global destination. Speaking at an inter-departmental meeting with tourism stakeholders on Thursday, Sawant addressed industry concerns and outlined plans to bolster the sector.
“Goa is seeing a steady rise in tourist arrivals, even during the monsoon,” Sawant noted, acknowledging feedback from shack owners, hoteliers, restaurateurs, and tour operators. He pledged to resolve issues like trade license renewals, extended operational hours, infrastructure bottlenecks, and aviation connectivity within a month. The state will also pursue visa-on-arrival policies and improved international flight connectivity through the central government.
Sawant emphasized seamless inter-departmental coordination to maximize tourism potential, create jobs, and enhance skills via a digital skill development portal. Plans include boosting high-speed internet, streamlining transport, and promoting a clean and green Goa initiative. The government aims to strengthen the single-window clearance system and address GST, electricity, water, and road infrastructure challenges.
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Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte stressed the need for collaboration across departments, from panchayats to police and forest, to compete with global destinations. “By focusing on ease of doing business and targeted interventions, we can elevate tourism quality, boost employment, and grow responsibly,” he said.
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