Caravan Tours, Floatel, Trikes, Jet Surfing, Floating Restaurant, Horse Trails, Underwater Scooter, Sky Diving, Standup Paddleboard Yoga, Hanging Restaurant, Hovercrafts, Submersible Watercraft, High-end music venue, Golf Course, Star Gazing, Bicycle Tours, Motorized Paragliding, Shooting range, Nautical Tours, Personal Transportation Devices Tours
*Caravan tours, star gazing among 43 activities proposed * EOI invited from bidders
THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
Three years after the caravan culture made its mark in India, starting with Karnataka and Kerala, Goa -- recognizing immense potential and growing demand for caravan tourism -- has geared up to join this trend.
The Tourism Department has invited Expression of Interest (EOI) to introduce the concept to visitors descending in the State from across the globe. In fact, to attract an ever-increasing number of visitors, as many as 43 tourism activities will be introduced to represent Goa beyond beaches.
This includes the revival of previously unsuccessful ventures that were launched with much fanfare, such as seaplanes, Hop On Hop Off, Amphibious tours and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs).
The EOI, open for bidders till July 11, has highlighted in brief the Tourism Master Plan and Policy 2021 (which is undergoing revision) stating that Goa Tourism is shifting towards “Goa beyond beaches” to showcase sustainable tourism.
“The EOI aims to identify credible applicants interested in introducing and operating various tourism activities in Goa, without burdening the state exchequer…” reads the Request For Proposal (RFP).
“…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 adds.
The Goan spoke to a senior tourism official who claimed that “it was high time to convert plans into action.”
“Goa should offer a fresh and exciting variety of opportunities for holidaying tourists. They should have enough options to choose from, other than the existing activities,” the official said further.
