The Goan Network
PANAJI
As it has become clear that permission from Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) is a must for beach weddings, wedding planners say that Goa may lose the market of beach weddings to other locations like Thailand and Kerala, if it ends up taking too much time for getting all approvals from the government.
The wedding planners are not sure how cumbersome it will be to get permission from GCZMA, but said that if getting such permissions become tough, then it will be disastrous for Goa from beach weddings point of view.
It all boils down to how quickly wedding planners get approvals from GCZMA for beach weddings. Wedding planners also say there are people who are as it is finding it tough to get approvals for beach weddings from local authorities.
Jerry Pinto, owner, Buzz Events said, “We have already got calls from 7-8 couples, who wanted to get married next year in Goa, saying that they may change their plans and shift the venue of wedding to Thailand or Bali.” Vina Benello from Wedding Planners Goa said, “Around 20-25% people end up having problems with local authorities when they approach them for a beach wedding. However, in places like Thailand or even in Kerala, the whole process of getting permissions for beach weddings is very smooth.”
GCZMA met once a month on an average in recent times. This shows that in future there may be situations wherein a wedding planner needs permission from GCZMA, but it’s not meeting anytime soon.
But, the fact that most beach weddings are planned at least three months in advance gives solace to wedding planners.
Lester Melo, owner, Wedding and Dreams, said, “I don’t think getting GCZMA approval will deter our business, but yes, it will require us to do more paper-work. As of now, tourism department has very efficient system of giving license for beach weddings within a week.”
It remains to be seen whether the process of getting all approvals remains as smooth once wedding planners start approaching GCZMA for its approval.
Another source said, “Beach weddings are only for a day. Besides, we don’t erect any permanent structures for beach weddings. So, why make the approval process more cumbersome?”
