Panaji. Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai on Tuesday said that the Goa government has given top priority to the tourism sector and is promoting various sectors related to tourism. He said that it is working towards providing quality infrastructure to the tourists visiting the coastal state. In his address to the newly elected state assembly, Pillai also said that the upcoming Mopa International Airport in Goa is likely to be operational by August this year.
Pillai in his address said, “Tourism is one of the backbone of the state’s economy. More than 20 percent of the population directly (and) indirectly depends on tourism and allied activities. ‘God’s own abode’ – Goa Worldwide It has the cleanest beaches, ancient temples, churches, rich heritage, hospitality, rich diverse culture and its beauty and known as the safest tourist destination.
He said, “My government has initiated tourism to promote health tourism, indoor tourism, medical tourism, adventure tourism, eco tourism, heritage tourism, spiritual tourism and best quality infrastructure for tourists visiting our state. The area has been given top priority.”
After formally taking oath as the chief minister on Monday, Pramod Sawant had also said that his government’s endeavor is to make the coastal state a top tourist destination in the country.
The Governor also listed out various concessions given by the State Government to sustain the industry, which has been badly hit by the COVID pandemic, resulting in a sharp drop in the number of tourists, both domestic and international, to the State.
He said, “The tourism hut policy was formulated to generate employment and business opportunities for the local people to earn their livelihood, keeping in view the financial loss incurred by them during the COVID-19 pandemic, the license fee will be reduced. A discount of 50 per cent was given.”
Pillai also said, “My government is making efforts to promote and encourage more international chartered flights, notified the ‘International Charter Support (Remission of Landing Fee) 2021’ scheme by waiving the landing fee of up to Rs 1 lakh Has gone.”
Speaking about the state’s upcoming airport development on the Mopa plateau in North Goa, Pillai said, “The construction work of the Mopa airport is expected to be completed and commissioned by August 2022.”
—AnyTV News
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