PORVORIM
New Tourism and IT Minister Rohan Khaunte has said his focus would be on quality tourism rather than quantity tourism and to utilise IT to play a major role in providing good governance to the people.
Speaking to reporters, Khaunte thanked Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for allotting him the important portfolios of tourism and IT.
“Tourism is the backbone of Goa’s economy and one of the major revenue channels for Goa. A proper roadmap is required to give tourism a boost. During the Covid pandemic, tourism activities in Goa suffered a severe setback,” said Khaunte.
“My focus would be on the quality tourism rather than quantity tourism. Goa has got rich culture, heritage and we have to address these areas. We have to shift our attention to make Goa one of the best tourist destinations.”
“The time has come to focus on hinterland tourism. Union Minister Shripad Naik holds the portfolio of tourism and with his support, we will plan to take tourism to a higher level. New thoughts need to come to promote tourism. While preparing the roadmap for Goa, all stakeholders will be taken into confidence,” Khaunte added.
Commenting on IT, Khaunte said that since there are no employment avenues for IT graduates they move out of Goa in search of jobs.
“My focus would be to stop the brain drain and provide them opportunities to showcase their talents and become entrepreneurs themselves. The objective is not only to provide employment for the youth but also to create employers. Besides, IT can play a major role in giving good governance to the people. I will sit with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and see how IT can be utilised in providing good administration to the people of Goa,” said the minister.
