PANAJI
The Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte in a function at Panaji said that he has plans to change the Tourism Trade Act which will have emphasis on promoting quality tourism through focus on areas of priorities like promoting cultural tourism.
Rohan Khaute was addressing the people at the prize distribution ceremony organised by Panaji Shigmotsav Samiti.
President of Panaji Shigmotsav Samit Shrinivas Dempo, Executive member Mangaldas Naik, Secretary Shantaram Naik and Artist Sanjay Harmalkar were present on the occassion.
"Due to weak laws, tourism is not happening the way it should have been. I have decided that the tourism trade act needs to change. For that we have to set some priorities", said Khaunte.
Khaunte said that though tourists are coming to Goa despite odds we have to start focussing on our culture.
Rajasthan is focussing on their culture and that is why they are getting quality tourists, he added.
In the next 20 years we need to create a strong economic backbone, added Khaunte.
"When we are showcasing our culture to the next generation. The programmes like Shigmotsav, Carnival we need to showcase through road shows and other means to the world in addition to holding such programmes in Goa", said Khaunte.
If we do this then good quality of tourists will come to Goa, he added.
"Will create a via-media not only to retain our identity but to showcase our cultural heritage to the world. Since we are very rich in cultural heritage", said Khaunte.
Panaji Shigmotsav Samiti President Shrinivas Dhempo said that artists are taking pain to showcase our culture and such artists should be benefitted.
This is the only committee where there is no political leader as chairman, he added.
Sanjay Harmalkar recollected his childhood memories about Shigmotsav.
