PANAJI
Hit severely by Covid-19, the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa met the Chief Minister Pramod impressing upon him to give the industry the much-needed impetus, relief measures and also suggested image-building exercise.
The TTAG managing committee on Tuesday had a lengthy discussion in a round table meeting with the CM, MLA and chairman GTDC, Managing director GTDC, Tourism Secretary, Director Tourism, Excise Commissioner and other officials.
TTAG President Nilesh Shah suggested waiver of some of the taxes and penalty fees, give credit on licence fees, reduce electricity tariffs, reduction in fees by the municipalities and panchayat bodies.
He highlighted that the tourism industry needs relief as it has suffered in the pandemic and many of the related businesses are facing uphill struggle for the short and long term and have suffered losses.
The TTAG also requested relief from departments like Excise, Electricity, Revenue and Employees Provident Fund. It has also urged the government to reduce fuel prices in the State.
“The fuel prices have seen a steady increase over the past few months and at a time when all Goans are struggling. The common man is hit. The rising fuel prices have led to the price rise of basic commodities at a time when there is no income for most people,” pointed out Shah.
TTAG has asked for a waiver in visa fees too, demanding 100 per cent refund on all visas between October 1, 2021 and October 1, 2023 through the tourism promotion and marketing budget. “This will encourage the charter tourism business for the coming year and encourage travellers to come to India. All other countries in direct competition with Goa are taking such measures of waiving off visa fees,” Shah observed.
The TTAG suggested that a provision made in this year’s budget by the government of Goa in extending the landing fees waiver of one lakh for international charter flights could be extended till March 31, 2023 and accordingly budgetary allocation done for next year.
It also demanded relief from the Central government asking it to reduce the GST to 12 per cent. The association has shown a willingness to work along with the Goa Tourism department to undo the negative publicity received by the State for the past few months, which has adversely affected the image of the State as a safe and secure destination.
After the meeting, Shah said, “The Chief Minister has assured us to look into the matter and give us relief.”
