PANAJI
The town and country planning board in a recent decision announced an increased floor area ratio (FAR) for four-star and five-star hotels from the existing 20% to 30% in both rural and urban areas. Commenting on this Nilesh Shah, president, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) stated that the basic FAR of 20% was always there for the four-star and five-star hotels since the Manohar Parrikar government, however, the increase in it by 10% is for all, four-star and five-star hotels as well as three-star hotels too.“The government has extended the FAR to three-star hotels from 20% to 30 % which is a welcome step, as there are many small and old hotels in Goa which require upgrading. They need to upgrade themselves according to the new norms and cater to the GenNext requirements. These small hotels need to add more rooms, newer facilities to increase their footfall and translate it into earning,” said Shah.
Pointing out that during the Covid times, the hospitality and travel industry suffered a setback. “To survive in the current situation the industry needs to provide the infrastructural facilities that their counterparts are providing. Also, adding more FAR will curtail a lot of illegalities, which otherwise result in loss of revenue to the government. Making it legal would help get the government revenue and it will, in turn, benefit the industry too,” stated TTAG president.
He further stated that while increasing the FAR and upgrading, the hotels must take necessary permissions and follow the regulations. “The decision would overall, help sustain the flow of income in the tourism industry and earn some revenue for the government too. The overall eco-structure of Goa will go a long way in attracting tourists and boosting the tourism industry. The three-star hotels should be allowed to add new rooms, gym, restaurant, mini-conference hall and modern facilities to their existing structure and the decision of including the three-star hotels into this FAR increase of 10% will go a long way in giving a shot in the arm for the tourism industry," stated Shah.
