Should we get excited about a plane ride from the Mandovi river to Dabolim? It is a first for Goa, but then many tourists fly into Goa so what's the big deal? The Rs 2,000 ticket seems on the higher side but considering that the plane is a four-seater there is little one can do about the economics. The Goa Tourism Development Corporation plans to use the plane for joyrides, which is okay, but the idea of using it for rescue and emergency mission needs to be fleshed out. Without a support system the plane could prove to be more of a hindrance for rescue missions on account of its size and the the fact that it can land only on water. Introduction of a seaplane is meant to expand the holiday experience and time alone will tell if tourists will take them like fish to water. The modalities will also have to be worked out because flying from Panaji to Dabolim and then catching a taxi or bus back is not fun. The GTDC will have to link the flight to a destination where tourists can spend a whole day. For instance a trip from Panaji or Candolim to Palolem would make better sense as it would cut travelling time and eliminate road fatigue. Clearly, the GTDC needs to work out a proper flight path before offering tourists the sky.
