the goan I network
VASCO
Eagerly anticipating the Navy to modify its NOTAM and accommodate a TUI charter flight in the State, the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) said the government would stand to lose around Rs 10 crore if this was not allowed.
According to TTAG President Savio Messias, the Navy has received a letter seeking NOTAM relaxation and it is expected to issue an order on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters, Messias said TTAG has been petitioning the government authorities since August 1 on the issue.
“We contented that NOTAM could be from 6.30 am to 11.30 am because domestic flights have an option to find alternative slots, but for international flights, especially charters, it becomes difficult.”
“If a decision has to be taken to introduce new NOTAM timings, it should have been at least six months in advance,” said Messias.
He said the TTAG has been calculating the losses to the government if this charter flight is cancelled. “If this one TUI flight is cancelled, the government stands to lose around Rs 10 crore in the form of GST. This is an upmarket flight getting in good customers, who have spending powers.”
“When I say Rs 10 crore, it is only in the form of GST paid by hotels and there are also GST earnings on money being spent on other purchases,” said Messias.
Besides the monetary considerations, Messias said the government should also push ahead with the charter flight in the interest of the tourism sector.
“This TUI charter flight has been coming for many years. Besides, Thomson has said if this flight is given landing permission, it would also introduce a fourth flight.”
“We have been always trying to get more flights from the UK and I think TUI and Thomson deserve the support from the government because they will now bring an additional flight which will help the business community,” said Messias.
He said the TTAG had put in a lot of efforts to seek the intervention of the government. “The TTAG contacted Union Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho and many other authorities.”
“The Navy has informed us that it has received a letter calling for relaxation in the NOTAM. The Navy will, accordingly, issue an order tomorrow (Tuesday),” he added.
“We are grateful to Union Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho and the Navy for considering the TTAG’s demands to accommodate the TUI charter flight,” said Messias.
