NT NETWORK
PANAJI
Goa tourism’s master plan and tourism policy which is being formulated as a vision document for improving tourism in the state has entered a participative stage with the department of tourism seeking views and suggestions from the general public on the interim plan submitted to the government.
The department has called upon the general public, travel and tourism stakeholders, industry associations, NGOs, policy advocacy groups and all interested to contribute their views and suggestions to the proposed plan and tourism policy.
It is being prepared with the objective to provide direction and guidance for sustainable development of tourism in Goa over the short term (5 years), medium term (15 years) and long term (25 years).
The document, in three modules, has been uploaded on the department of tourism website: http://www.goatourism.gov.in/images/goa_tmp_module3.pdf.
Views and suggestions are being sought on what infrastructure and service sector investments are required to provide tourism products and activities for identified tourists, how should the government ensure that tourism growth creates jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities for Goans, how balance needs to be brought in between the need for economic and entrepreneurial development for Goans with the social and environmental impact of tourism growth etc.
It also seeks suggestions on the proposal of showcasing the key unique selling propositions (USPs) of Goa as a tourism destination and what are the opportunities that can be taken in order to enhance this potential.
The department of tourism has appealed to the general public and all stakeholders to write in with their views and suggestions to goatourismmasterplan@gmail.com within seven days and within 500 words.
The department of tourism, in a statement issued, points out that stakeholders’ involvement in the preparation of the master plan and policy by way of suggestions and views on the interim document will go a long way in finalising its goals on various elements pertaining to tourist footfalls, duration of stay, expenditure per tourist, contribution to Goa’s economy, job creation and entrepreneurship opportunities for Goans, and increasing environmentally sustainable tourism.