Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: Amidst controversy surrounding Sunburn music festival shifting to South Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant made a pitch for the electronic dance music festival during NITI aayog meet in Delhi stating the festival has showcased Goa on global map.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was addressing the gathering during the NITI Aayog meet in Delhi.
“The famous Carnival of Goa, Sunburn Festival,
Shigmotsav, International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and an International Purple Festival for the persons with Disability (Divyangs) are just a few examples of happenings that have put Goa on the Global cultural,” said Sawant
He further said that Goa has become a touristic hub for international festivals and events, drawing in large crowds and boosting tourism. Besides, Goa with its natural scenic beauty, idyllic beaches, cultural diversity and architectural splendour and eco-farms has earned the tag of 365 days tourist destination.
“Over a period of time Goa has made its impact across the Globe as most preferred international tourist Destination. The State witnessed footfall of 88.46 lakh tourists during the year 2023-24 of which 4.14 lakh were international tourists” said Sawant
The Government is continuously working to boost
tourism sector in the State. With an aim to broaden the scope of accommodation options and provide
standardized services, the State has introduced the
“Homestay and Bed & Breakfast (B&B)Policy”. with
an objective to generate self-employment opportunities for rural women wherein the women belonging to Self-Help Groups are being involved to promote the Jungle Trails Homestay in Bhagavan Mahavir Wildlife sanctuary which is visited by large number of tourists throughout the year.
CM also said that in addition to above, Goa has recently implemented a tourism master plan and policy that aims to transform Goa into a sustainable year-round tourism destination.
“To cater evolving tourist preferences and to boost the State as a tourism hotspot, the Government has
introduced “Caravan Tourism Policy” he added
The Government has created Swayampurna Goa
e-bazar a e-business platform to promote the sale of Home Made & Hand Made food products and non food items not only in the State but across PAN India for local artisans, Mahilas and Self-Help Groups to not only inculcate spirit of entrepreneurship among them but to
ensure their economic upliftment.
The State Government has introduced a scheme
“Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana‟ to make Mahila
Self Help Groups in the State self-reliant. Through this scheme, mahila Self Help Groups are encouraged and motivated to run food canteens in various Government establishments.
“Atmanirbhar Bharat Swayampurna Goa initiative was a noble experiment of the Government of Goa to ensure “Last mile Delivery” i.e. to reach out to every individual in the State with minimum Government and maximum Governance and to ensure achieving the vision of Antodaya, Gramodaya and Sarvodaya.
“Several theme based Webinars/ Live interactions are organised to ensure in reaching out Government Schemes at grass root level,” he added