MAPUSA
Emphasising the potential of hinterland tourism, Rural Development Minister Michael Lobo said the State government should use Rs 100 crore to promote rural tourism from the budget of Rs 300 crore allotted by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman to Goa for the 60th Liberation Day celebrations.
"If hinterland tourism is promoted, then visitors will be able to see Goa beyond beaches and cities, to appreciate the hinterlands of Goa. If this fund is used for the development of rural areas, locals in those areas will be able to build small hotels or even guest houses, thereby becoming self-sufficient through their businesses," said Lobo.
"Many people don't know their own villages. Due to the IIT issue, we could understand the rich biodiversity of Melauli in Sattari. Hinterland tourism will help these villages gain identity for themselves and make locals financially stable. I will speak to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant about this," he added, while also praising the budget presented by Sitharaman.
