Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte today said that his focus would be to create a future roadmap for tourism, emphasising hinterland and backwater tourism-related activities.
Khaunte also said that having IT and Tourism portfolios will create an advantage and help in the development of the state.
“Tourism is a major backbone for the state’s economic condition, and IT has to be the new backbone for the state. After taking charge as a minister, the IT Industry will see something big, something good in the coming days,” said Khaunte.
He further said that the mixture of Tourism and IT will bring in changes that will help develop the state, create opportunities for the youth, and help stop the brain drain.
“Have decided to focus on non-conventional verticals like hinterland and backwater tourism, for the growth of the tourism industry largely impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Goa’s tourism sector needs to be revived as the pandemic has left a bad impact,” he added.
Khaunte said the department will have to create a roadmap for tourism in the future with a thrust on hinterland and backwater tourism activities.
“Creation of a good roadmap focusing on quality rather than quantity for the tourism industry in Goa. We will be highlighting hitherto untouched areas like culture and heritage tourism,” the minister said.
Speaking on Tourism Act, Khaunte said that the Industry needs reforms, which can be done after amending the Tourism Act and that the State government will work in coordination with the Centre to develop the tourism sector.