PANAJI
Minister for Tourism Babu Ajgaonkar issued a statement claiming his ministry was doing its bit for the sector but did not refer to the criticism of the trade body TTAG which lashed out against him for lack of support.
“While there have been reports that the tourism numbers in Goa have decreased, we would like to point out that in the last year we have successfully initiated a number of measures to make tourism in the state a more memorable experience,” Ajgaonkar said in the written statement.
“For the convenience of tourists, we have introduced Goa Miles, a mobile application that helps one book taxis for a reasonable cost in a convenient manner,” he said, adding that for safety and
security the Goa Police is taking necessary precautionary measures to ensure law and order is maintained.
“To give tourists, both domestic and international, multiple reasons to visit Goa, various festivals are marketed internationally to showcase the diversity of options
available in the state,” Ajgaonkar said.
Ajgaonkar also said the department welcomes organisers of music festivals but insisted they will be encouraged to host these in Goa as long as they clear their dues.
He also said that efforts are made to ensure beaches are clean and the department’s initiative has been successful across the State, adding that the department has sufficient expertise, manpower and ability to ably execute the beach cleaning work.
He assured to provide all support to make Goa the destination of choice for tourists.
