MAPUSA
Goa needs to expand its room inventory as the State is expected to witness a surge in tourist footfalls with the launch of new Manohar international airport at Mopa, said Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and further added that the tourism department will invite hoteliers to invest in the State to increase room space.
Khaunte also said that Goa will always remain a preferred tourist destination in the country and will remain among the top two tourist spots in India.
“Goa’s room inventory is low which needs to improve in order to accommodate the inflow of tourists. As far as the tourism department is concerned we are opening our properties and land banks. We are asking hotels to come and invest to create new room inventory. We are looking at four million tourists in Vasco and the same number in Mopa,” Khaunte said.
The Tourism Minister was addressing a gathering at the Goa Liberation Day function at the government complex in Mapusa. Chairperson of Mapusa Municipal Council Shubhangi Vaigankar, former Deputy Speaker Ulhas Asnodkar, Additional collector Pundalik Khorjuvekar, Dy collector Gurudas Desai and other dignitaries were also present.
Speaking further, Khaunte said the taste of tourists keep changing and those visiting the State want to experience more than the sun, sand and sea.
He said efforts were on to rediscover Goa with more focus on spiritual tourism besides stressing on medical, adventure and hinterland tourism which will give Goa a new look.
“Goa will be more popular among tourists due to its richness in hinterland and spiritual tourism,” he said.
The minister also said that the State has witnessed major transformation in the infrastructure development in the last 10 years due to the double engine government.
“The renovation of the Aguada jail, new Zuari bridge and new super speciality cardiac block at the GMC are some of the few projects which have shown that Goa has been marching ahead at a fast pace,” he said.
