VASCO
The first international cruise ship "Viking Mars" arrived in the State with 651 passengers and 452 crew on Wednesday.
Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar, who made special arrangements to welcome the international tourists, said a Port of Call (PoC) for cruise ships at Goa Port is the need of the hour, to increase the revenue of the State and generate self-employment for locals.
“A PoC will enable ships dock at the Goa Port for 2-3 days and this will offer a chance to domestic and international passengers to explore more places in the State,” said Amonkar while speaking to reporters, after welcoming passengers from the first international cruise ship.
The international passengers were welcomed by women with flowers and garlands, amid traditional music of the Dhol Tasha Band, all organised by Amonkar himself. A large number of taximen were present, anticipating good business from the passengers.
"The first international cruise ship has arrived after a long gap due to the Covid pandemic. All the taximen and locals have happily arrived to welcome the international guests.”
“We expect that these cruise ships will give good business opportunity to Murmugaokars and generate revenue for the entire State. We must offer the best to tourists so that we can get more benefits from the cruise tourism sector," said Amonkar.
Amonkar said the government must go ahead and make Goa the Port of Call, so that cruise ships can stay here for around 2-3 days.
“As of now, domestic and international cruise ships arrive in the morning and leave by evening. As a result, passengers get only 5-6 hours to visit the State and they can only visit nearby areas.”
“If the passengers have to get a real feel of Goa, they need a minimum of 2-3 days and this is possible only if the cruise ship remains in Goa for two days and Goa becomes the Port of Call.”
“We have seen that international cruise ships remain for two days at various international locations and we have also demanded that Goa be made the Port of Call, so that passengers get more time and opportunities to explore various locations of Goa and this will also increase the business opportunities for Goans," said Amonkar.
