Goa, a 365-day destination, continues to be the much-preferred spot for both domestic as well as international tourists, says Nikhil Desai, Managing Director, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC). Desai further talks about GTDC’s plan in an exclusive interview with FPJ’s Sumeet Naik
How the season has been so far?
The season, so far, has been fantastic with a flow of tourists from all over the country. The season from October to December was spectacular as major chunk of tourists arrived from both neighbouring states as well as far-flung locations to witness the EDM festivals and enjoy the year ending celebrations.
Goa is a 365-day destination and there is a steady inflow of tourists even during the lean period. The monsoon season is gaining popularity. Today, the state offers a plethora of monsoon activities between June and September. Goa’s festival tourism is also a big draw for tourists. Cruise tourism and charter tourism are adding to the footfalls as far as foreign tourists’ arrivals are concerned. The implementation of electronic tourist visa facility also has been a big boom for Goa.
What are the new initiatives introduced by GTDC?
GTDC has launched several adventurous activities like hop-on, hop-off bus services in the north and hot air ballooning services in the south. These activities have attracted tourists in large numbers. We are also working towards launching few more activities like duck boats, seaway tours, bungee jumping, horse riding etc. As you must be aware, GTDC is the special purpose vehicle for tourism infrastructure projects. In addition to providing basic infrastructure facilities on the beaches, GTDC is working on providing projects that will work as tourism attractions.
We are working towards developing Aguada jail into a museum which will be a major attraction in the state of Goa. We also successfully commissioned a multi-level car parking project, the first–of-its-kind in Goa; the Santa Monica boat cruise jetty has been given a facelift; parking facilities have been provided or augmented at several tourist locations; several tourist spots have been illuminated and beautified.
How would Goa benefit on getting one of its beaches a Blue Flag status?
This certification will definitely help increase its face value, leading to increase in the tourist footfalls.
Is it true that Velsao-Pale has been identified for it? What criteria did the State adopt in zeroing down upon a particular beach for Blue Flag status?
The process for identifying beaches under the Blue Flag certification programme is in process. All the criteria and parameters will be followed in selecting the most suitable beaches under this programme.
Recently Maharashtra Government announced their plan for coastal tourism along the Konkan belt. Will it have any impact on the beach tourism in Goa?
No, not at all as Goa has a different charm all together. The facets that Goa offers have been unique and significant for tourists coming from all across the globe. Goa has various facets like heritage tourism, festival tourism, eco-tourism, adventure tourism, cuisine etc. MICE tourism is also picking up extensively and many tourists visit the state for work cum leisure.
Despite Goa having the cheapest fuel rates, tourists find the local cabs and rickshaws charging exorbitant tariffs. GTDC had planned to launch app-based taxi service. How soon can we see these cabs on the streets of Goa?
The Goa government is very serious about streamlining tourist taxi operations in the State. While it is proposed to have digital meters, it is also proposed to have app-based taxi services. But all this needs minute detailing, planning and execution. In the next couple of months, there will be a sea change and improved services in tourist taxi operations.
Hop-on, hop-off, first-of-its kind bus service in the country started by GTDC failed to capture tourist’s attention. What went wrong?
The hop-on, hop-off bus service is performing well and tourists are availing these facilities. We are the first tourism board to introduce this unique adventure activity in the state. It gives tourists an exciting opportunity to experience and witness Goa’s beauty, its beaches, architecture and heritage through an open top, double-decker bus.
Currently we have four buses, two double- decker and two Hydeck buses. We are bringing in four new Hydeck buses which will be deployed towards the beach side of North Goa. We are hoping to roll out more buses on different routes in the state shortly.
What is happening with ambitious projects like helicopter joy rides and seaplanes? Do you feel Goa has the potential to be in the forefront of adventure tourism?
Goa is growing highly in terms of adventure tourism. The tourist inflow has grown after the successful operations of white water rafting activity during the monsoons. This has given a different segment to the monsoon season and the perception of the so-called off- season has turned into on-season, making it a 365-day holiday destination. In case of duck boats, sea planes and helicopter joy rides, these activities are awaiting certain permissions and clearances. Once completed, the same will be launched and will be a big attraction in Goa.
Tell us something about the Swadesh Darshan scheme? When can we expect Aguada jail to ‘house’ tourists?
We are happy that the Union Ministry for Tourism under the Swadesh Darshan scheme has considered Goa’s proposals and sanctioned Rs 200 crore. While Rs 100 crore was sanctioned in the first phase, another Rs 100 crore was sanctioned in the second phase. Coastal areas both in North and South Goa will be covered in both phases.
The Goa government is committed on completing the infrastructure projects under this scheme within the next one year.
Infrastructure projects like public conveniences namely toilets, changing rooms and lockers, parking facilities, illumination, tourist information centres etc will be provided on the beaches and coastline of the State. Also, there is a state component of Rs 70 crore which would be used for tourism infrastructure. The Aguada museum project is underway and will be completed shortly.
What is GTDC’s focus areas this year?
Safety and security of tourists are our priority and we would lay emphasis upon this. The increasing number of arrivals whether from the national segment or international segment reinforces one fact that Goa is a much-loved destination all through the year. The Goa government is augmenting budgets for improving safety and security measures in the state keeping in mind the tourism industry and the importance of providing a safe holiday for tourists visiting Goa.
