Team Goemkarponn
PORVORIM: Admitting that the tourism department lacks data on tourist arrivals in Goa, the State government today told House that TIME software would be made mandatory for all hotels wherein they will have to submit all the information on the visitors.
The House witnessed heated debate as the Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte decline to give information on high spending tourist arrival data with opposition questioning failure to attract and tap new high end markets,
Opposition MLA Viresh Borkar said that Goa’s airports, railway stations promote casinos.
“We have failed to promote our heritage, tourism at these places; our focus is more on casino promotion and not on tourism,” said Borkar
Responding, Minister Khaunte said that TIME (Tourist Information Management System) software would be made compulsory for all hotels from April 1 ensuring we get all data of tourists arriving in the State, Oct-Dec we had 100 per cent occupancy.
“Flights were full; tourists were paying even 30k for rooms per day; there was an agenda against Goa tourism; average 22% growth in tourism in 2024,” said Rohan
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Khaunte further said that in 2024, State participated in 5 international exhibitions held in Dubai, Berlin, London for trade and 2 international road shows.
“First time we have got flights from Poland, total 26 flights arrived till date, also Kazakhstan tourist this time, Uzbekistan sent charter and now schedule flight; we are facing challenges due to some local issues and that need to be sort out; we are having quality tourist” he added
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte shared that, in addition to events like Carnival and Shigmotsav, the government has begun creating year-round festive calendars.
This includes promoting events such as São João, Chikhal Kalo, and Veer Bhadra, allowing tourists to experience Goan culture during any visit.
“The government is also focusing on promoting Goa beyond its beaches, encouraging hinterland tourism,”: he added
