PANAJI
The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), an apex industrial body, has pledged its support to the proposed Marina project in the coastal state, claiming that it will help boost the
tourism economy.
In a letter to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, GCCI President Shrinivas Dempo stated that with the Union Ministry for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) giving the green signal to the project, the Goa government should go ahead expeditiously in establishing a Marina at “any socio-economically accepted location”.
“In line with our commitment to support good projects and in line with the mission of GCCI for inclusive and sustainable growth for Goa @2047, we hereby pledge GCCI support to the upcoming marina projects in Goa,” Dempo said in the letter.
He stated that Goa has the potential to become a global cruise destination, and marinas would be a good start at achieving that goal.
“Marinas are very much essential in promoting nautical tourism in Goa. This would be a big boost to local tourism and will definitely be a game-changer. There is also a global demand from the yachting industry. This will also attract high-spending tourists to Goa. If the right policies are in place, Goa can soon position itself as a cruise destination,” the GCCI President said.
He emphasized that Goa needs to attract ‘quality’ tourists, whether budget or high-end, those who contribute to the state’s finances/economy by spending.
“Goa is a small state with limited land as a resource. However, its 131 km coastline is a precious resource that could be sustainably developed and utilized. One of the ways would be to invest in Nautical Tourism,” he
emphasized.
Pointing out that around 5,000 tourist boats travel from Europe to Thailand, Australia every year, Dempo said that once Goan Marinas are ready with the required infrastructure, these boats will definitely take a halt for a few days in Goa. He also cited examples of how marina projects revived the economy of a country like Croatia.
According to GCCI, the project will also boost the Blue Economy model that involves the sustainable use of maritime resources for economic growth and help in improving livelihood and job creation while preserving the oceans, seas, and coasts.
The AHOY Marina project has been proposed by Kargwal Constructions Pvt Limited in MPT waters.
