PANAJI
Less than two months after the Tourism Department proposed introducing around 43 tourism activities to further boost footfalls all year, the Pramod Sawant-led Cabinet on Tuesday approved two policies on ‘Caravan Tours’ and the ‘Goa Homestay & Bed & Breakfast.’
The government has chalked out lucrative offers for the first 50 local operators of caravans by giving them part funding or a certain percentage of their total investment, in a bid to reduce financial burden. Moreover, the Tourism Department has decided to reimburse the Motor Vehicle Tax on caravans, once they begin the operations in the State.
“It is a three-year policy wherein the financial projection is around Rs 2 crore, Rs 3 crore, and Rs 4 crore respectively,” an official said.
The Tourism Department had last month invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) to introduce the new concept to visitors from across the globe. Besides the two projects which have been given the Cabinet nod, the department is also working at the revival of previously unsuccessful ventures -- seaplanes, Hop On Hop Off, Amphibious Tours and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs).
“… Goa Tourism believes that these tourism activities will complement the existing tourist attractions in the State, cater to a wider variety of tourist categories, and aid in attracting new tourists / repeat visitors to the State. Accordingly, to further increase the portfolio of new attractive services in Goa offering multiple avenues of entertainment and activities for the tourists, the Authority invites proposals from competent entities for introduction and operations of various tourism activities in Goa,” it stated.
