PANAJI
Ports Minister Michael Lobo sought to warn that Goa will stand to lose 90 per cent of its hotel bookings if the government moves ahead with its plan to insist on a Covid negative certificate from travellers.
“If we start asking for Covid negative certificates, I don’t think anybody will want to come to Goa. We will directly get a 90 per cent cancellation where the hotels are running full. We will suffer an impact and that shouldn’t happen,” Lobo said.
He laid stress on Covid preventive measures and said that the use of thermal gums, sanitisers, face masks and intensive testing of those with symptoms is a more viable alternative.
“Covid negative certificate is compulsory in Maharashtra. Our Health Minister is speaking out of sentiment to protect Goans and from that sense, his statement is correct. But, if you look at the economic side of this, we will suffer. Tourism business will be affected,” Lobo explained.
