PANAJI
As Goa welcomes the new tourism season, there is very little or rather nothing new to offer on the platter. Despite slew of promises and initiatives announced by the successive governments, the dream of elevating this lucrative sector to a higher level has hitherto remained elusive.
Post closure of the mining industry; dependence on this industry has grown manifold to revive Goa’s economy over the last one and half decade. However, the industry has remained unattractive.
Many proposed projects have come and gone with some even making a landing in Goa before ultimately being abandoned for various reasons. Other plans have simply been forgotten.
After much delay and opposition, the rope-way project linking Panaji to Reis Magos is finally set to be a reality but much-touted amphibian vehicles, seaplanes and helicopter rides; golf course, and convention centre are nowhere in the picture.
Even the caravan tourism policy and the homestay bed & breakfast policy-- launched to promote Goa beyond beaches-- has nothing to offer this season.
On a positive note, the government has made some headway in promoting spiritual tourism, although a belated move. However, initiatives like hinterland tourism and wellness tourism are yet to materialize in practice.
Ropeway project
The foundation stone for Goa Tourism Development Corporation’s (GTDC) much talked about ropeway project linking Panaji to Reis Magos was laid in February- almost eight years after it was officials approved by the government in 2016.
Activists and citizens under the Save Panjim initiative have objected to the project arguing commercialization of the capital city’s open and green spaces will lead to congestion and stress on the existing infrastructure.
A Rs 157 crore project, includes zip line, sky diving services, a 4D aquarium, revolving restaurant, artificial skiing, artificial surfing facilities, etc.
Helipad tourism
Years after facing multiple setbacks, the high-profile heli-tourism project in Goa was re-launched in 2022 in Old Goa. The Aguada area and a starred hotel property in South Goa had previously encountered controversies and a lackluster response. However, in February, last year, the project was revitalized with a helipad in Old Goa with Soaring Aerospace Private Limited and Goa Tourism.
Providing a 10-minute joyride covering renowned attractions such as Old Goa churches, Divar Island, Chorao Island, Atal Setu, Panjim City, Miramar, Coco Beach/Nerul Bay, Fort Aguada, Sinquerim Fort and Beach, Calangute Beach, Candolim Beach, and Baga Beach, costs Rs 8,000 per person, inclusive of GST, as per the details shared by the department. Despite this, sources claimed that there has been limited interest in the rides, although the government has not disclosed the number of rides conducted so far.
On the other hand, the Aguada helipad has been in a dire state with the areas getting flooded during the rains and overgrown bushes.
Golf course
hits roadblock
The government has time and again spoken about achieving seamless infrastructure, the development of a golf course, and marinas, and an overall enhancement in the quality of tourism services. But activists have blamed the government for not setting things right before starting such a project, as a result of which, it faces strong opposition. Several projects, proposed and nearly confirmed, have hit the roadblock.
For over two decades, the golf course has not seen the light of day with the one at Tiracol mired in controversy and the promoters, around two years ago, filing for bankruptcy.
Amphibian vehicles
In 2015, through a private player, GTDC had an amphibious bus built to take tourists sightseeing, showcasing hinterlands, mangroves, and a bird sanctuary.
For sea rides, it was arranged to use the river navigation department’s ferry ramps. Two routes were identified for the service. Rides were from Panaji to Ribandar, around the Chorao Island, the Dr Salim Ali bird sanctuary and back.
However, the amphibious bus was left unused as then the service provider was unsuccessful in obtaining necessary permissions. Serious efforts were made for more than two years to get permissions to operate. In 2021, the government decided to revisit the project, but failed to kick off
Seaplane
The GTDC had floated the idea of launching a seaplane service somewhere in 2015 along with several other tourism services in the state. The project was re-tendered twice and Air Mauryan Services Ltd Services, was selected in 2021. However, operators failure to get requisite permissions led to shattering of the project.
EOI for 43 activities
issued but no takers
Last year in June, Tourism Department issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) to introduce 43 new as well as rejuvenate some of the pending/shelved concepts. The aim: to showcase Goa’s attractions beyond its beaches.
Subsequently, the cabinet approved ‘Caravan Tours’ and ‘Goa Homestay & Bed & Breakfast.’
Some of the fresh ideas included Caravan tourism and star gazing in addition to efforts to revive previously unsuccessful ventures including seaplanes, Hop On Hop Off, Amphibious tours, and All-Terrain Vehicles.
