Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said Goa’s tourism strategy does not hinge on any single event such as the Sunburn music festival, even as he assured strict action in the case of a woman tourist allegedly harassed during the event.
Speaking to the media, Khaunte said Goa has successfully hosted a variety of festivals that attract both domestic and international visitors. He cited the recent Raponkaranche Festival as an example, stating that it drew tourists from across India and abroad.“Goa must come up with different ideas. We cannot depend only on one festival like Sunburn,” the Tourism Minister said, underlining the need to diversify the state’s tourism offerings.Reacting to comments by MLA Michael Lobo on the importance of Sunburn to Goa’s tourism economy, Khaunte said Lobo was entitled to his opinion. However, he stressed that while events are important, there must be zero tolerance for incidents that tarnish Goa’s image or compromise tourist safety.
His remarks come in the wake of a viral video showing the alleged harassment of a woman tourist during the Sunburn festival. Condemning the incident, Khaunte said any attempt to outrage the modesty of a woman would not be tolerated.
“I have spoken to Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant regarding the incident. The Tourism Department has filed a police complaint and I am personally monitoring the matter. Strict action will be taken against the accused,” Khaunte said.
He added that individuals involved in such acts have no place in Goa. “We do not want such tourists in our state,” the Minister said.
