VASCO
The Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) has requested the State government to announce the date for the opening of international flights in advance, to enable people to book and plan holidays well in advance.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, TTAG President Savio Messias said the association had made a representation to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to have a special consideration for Goa to bring in chartered flights and to help tourism activity in the State.
"Normally, the charter season starts by the end of October but due to the Covid pandemic the government has not permitted flights to operate and we have news that airports may open up only in December.”
“The British chartered flights have cancelled all flights till December 19, after which they will decide depending on government announcements," said Messias.
Messias said that TTAG had submitted several representations to the State government, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to have a special consideration for Goa because these were chartered flights and not commercial international flights.
"While commercial flights can have a mix of holidayers, businessmen or people returning to India, chartered flights are purely committed to holiday-makers and tourists.”
“If someone wants to plan a holiday, they will do it months in advance because they have to book flights, hotels, and unless the government announces when they will open the airport for international flights, travel bookings cannot start and we are now awaiting the government's decision to announce the reopening of airports," said Messias.
Messias claimed that after representations to the chief minister and tourism minister, the TTAG was assured that the issue would be taken up with the Centre.
"So far, we have not got any reply and we have met many officials in Goa and are also trying to lobby in Delhi and we hope that reopening of airports will be announced soon.”
“The main issue is that other countries like Thailand are offering a lot of facilities and many countries like Egypt are also opening up. People will go to other countries for a holiday and we will be the losers" said Messias.
“We can open up in January, if required, but announce it now because those planning to come to Goa can book a holiday in January and start preparing now," said Messias.
