Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has announced that the government will take strict action, including defamation notices, against individuals or entities attempting to tarnish Goa’s image.
He highlighted a noticeable trend where global tourism destinations aim to misguide Indian tourists to other countries, recognizing Indians as significant spenders.
Khaunte highlighted that Goa witnessed a robust increase in both domestic and international tourist arrivals. Speaking on the matter, he emphasized, “Goa, On this Parshuram Bhoomi, the tourism will never be reduced. The key lies in how we promote our destination. Our goan influencers and the Indian diaspora abroad have been instrumental in bringing visitors to Goa. By showcasing what Goa truly offers, we attract the right kind of tourists who appreciate our unique culture and environment.”
He noted that many tourists and investors purchased second homes in Goa during the pandemic, with several now operating guesthouses. While the country and Asia are gradually recovering from the pandemic’s effects, Khaunte stressed that Goa’s natural beauty and unique appeal are unmatched, discouraging comparisons with other destinations like Thailand.
The state government is working on a strategy to expose those spreading false narratives about Goa. “We don’t want Goa to be misrepresented as another Thailand,” he said. “Using toolkits to malign Goa will not be tolerated, and offenders will face legal consequences.”
According to data from various sources, Goa has surpassed last year’s domestic tourist arrivals, reflecting a significant growth in the state’s popularity. Notably, 5-star and 4-star accommodations have reached near 100% occupancy rates, while lower-category hotels maintain 60-65% occupancy.
Additionally, guesthouses and homestays have become integral parts of the tourism landscape, with the Home Stay Policy and guest house provisions providing quality accommodation options.
The Minister assured that initiatives such as connectivity enhancements, rationalizing hotel rates in line with tourist demand, and collaboration with stakeholders are ongoing to address challenges and provide a seamless experience for tourists.
Furthermore, plans are in place to conduct detailed assessments once the complete data is available, ensuring a well-rounded strategy for the betterment of Goa’s tourism sector. The introduction of the tourist helpline number 1364 serves as a testament to the state’s commitment to resolving any tourist-related issues promptly.
The tourism sector in Goa remains vibrant, and with collaborative efforts from influencers, stakeholders, and the government, the state continues to offer an unparalleled experience for visitors from around the world.
