Goemkarponn desk
PORVORIM: Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Wednesday said that the government is in the process of formulating a Goa Hinterland Tourism Policy.
Questions on tourism were raised by Bicholim MLA Dr Chandrakant Shetye.
“Sattari, Pernem, Bicholim, Canacona, Sanguem and Sanvordem have been identified for Hinterland Tourism. Homestay and caravan policy had been implemented for hinterland tourism,” said Khaunte.
He further said that the state government’s “Goa beyond beaches” initiative seeks to shift the tourism spotlight from the coastline to the hinterland, thereby fostering green and sustainable tourism practices.
Speaking about Goa’s homestay policy, Khaunte emphasized its role in nurturing hinterland tourism and generating employment opportunities for locals. He elaborated that hinterland tourism would substantially benefit local communities.
The tourist footfall in the state touched 42.5 lakh in the first five months of the year, while in 2023 the state received 86.3 lakh vacationers, said Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte.
Khaunte said domestic tourists continue to drive tourism growth in the state. Of the 42.5 lakh visitors during January-May, 40.9 lakh were domestic travellers and the remaining 1.6 lakh were foreign visitors.
Monsoon tourism is being promoted through local festivals and trekking expeditions, while to boost hinterland tourism the state government has provided basic amenities at temple sites by carrying out beautification works.
