Tourism act to be tweaked to boost tourism, says CM

PANAJI

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday announced the tweaking of the Tourism Act in the upcoming monsoon session of Goa Legislative Assembly to streamline various permissions and crackdown on illegal activities like touting and hawking. 

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with tourism stakeholders in Panaji, Sawant further said steps will be taken to counter deliberate attempts by certain quarters to defame Goa’s tourism industry through digital platforms.

 “All grievances of the stakeholders have been heard, and we are committed to resolving them. If policies need to be tweaked, we will not hesitate. The coming tourist season will be better, and we expect continued support from the Government of India," the CM said, as he chaired the meeting with Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and GTDC Chairperson Ganesh Gaonkar. 

He revealed that discussions would soon be initiated with the Prime Minister’s Office and the Union Civil Aviation Ministry regarding the possibility of visa-on-arrival for tourists from select countries. “This step will ease travel and enhance Goa’s global appeal,” he stated.

The government, he added, is also focusing on MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism.

During the stakeholder meeting held earlier in the day, the tourism industry raised several long-standing issues including trade licence renewals and the rampant presence of hawkers and touts. Sawant assured firm police action to clamp down on these illegal activities, which, he acknowledged, were hampering the visitor experience.