Goa Tourism News

How Does Goa Compare to Other Casino Destinations Around the World?

In the past two decades, as the world has become ever more globalised and the international middle class has gotten richer, casino tourism has become increasingly popular. Casino tourism is a form of high-end tourism whereby people travel far and wide to visit casinos all over the world.

H-1B visa: Laid-off workers in US get BQ/B2 cushion

The Indian Express | 4 days ago | |

The Indian Express

4 days ago | |

Laid-off IT sector employees can continue to stay in the United States even beyond the H-1B time limit of 60 days to find another job, as per an announcement by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).Earlier, it was presumed that H-1B visa-holders get only 60 days after losing their job to either find a new job, have another employer file an H-1B petition on their behalf, or leave the US. While this may be true, all they have to do is shift their H-1B visa status to a B category visa, meant for tourism or business travellers, while they are there, according to USCIS.In fact, the US has this facility for anyone visiting the country on B1 (business) or B2 (tourist) status, the USCIS stated. The clarification is expected to assuage fears of Indian citizens on H-1B visa in the US amid widespread layoffs in the IT sector, which are said to have affected over 1 lakh Indians. In the first quarter of 2023 itself, layoffs — or “workforce reductions” — have been effected by tech giants such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Yahoo, and Zoom. Several startups have also announced job cuts across sectors.The USCIS stated, “Many people have asked if they can look for a new job while in B-1 or B-2 status. The answer is, yes.”In a series of tweets, it clarified that “searching for employment and interviewing for a position are permissible B-1 or B-2 activities”.However, it is not permissible to engage in employment on B1/B2 visas. “If you are in B-1 or B-2 status, please remember you may not engage in employment within the domestic labour market (also known as ‘local labour for hire’) while in B-1 status or engage in any employment while in B-2 status,” the USCIS said.Before beginning any new employment, a petition and request for a change of status from B-1 or B-2 to an employment-authorised status must be approved, and the new status must take effect, the US government agency stated. Even those planning to look for employment in the US can use B1/B2 visas. The US recently said that it will process a million non-immigrant visa applications in India in 2023. At present, a thousand interviews are being conducted in India on a daily basis for B1 and B2 visas. The US had also extended interview waivers for B1/B2 cases, in case the applicants have had a US visa before, even if in another category.The embassy and consulates in India have already processed over 2 lakh visa applications so far this year, as per statistics provided by a US Embassy spokesperson in New Delhi.

Chinese visa for Indian citizens resumes today after a 3-year gap

The Indian Express | 1 week ago | |

The Indian Express

1 week ago | |

After a three-year hiatus, China has announced the resumption of all types of visas for Indian travellers, including those for tourism purposes. “The Chinese Embassy and Consulates General in India will resume issuing various types of Chinese visas, starting March 15,” it announced Tuesday.With this, China has resumed all types of visas for foreigners, including tourism visas, port visas, and multiple visa-exemption policies, as a move to reopen its borders for the first time after the coronavirus pandemic struck in early 2020. However, inbound travellers have been advised to consult with their local China embassies or consulates for more detailed requirements and procedures.Under its zero-Covid policy, China had imposed strict travel restrictions on international arrivals starting March 28, 2020, to stop the spread of coronavirus disease cases from abroad. In addition to the reduced frequency of international passenger flights, the restrictions included limited visa availability – including a suspension of tourist visas – and strict Covid-19 testing and quarantine requirements before and after arrival in China.However, late last year, the country had shifted from a “zero-Covid” policy to “living with Covid”, with the removal of centralised quarantine for inbound travellers. Gradually, they reopened visa applications for most types of visas, even as visa applications for tourism and medical treatment were still on hold.Now, “with the latest policy adjustment” announced by the embassies across the world – including in Canada, France, Kuwait, Malta, New Zealand, Thailand, the US, and the UAE – these restrictions will finally be removed.In August 2022, the Chinese embassy had resumed services for 10 types of ordinary visas for Indian citizens, including long-term study, business, work, family visits, personal visits, and talent introduction, among others. However, applications for visas to China for travel, medical treatment and other reasons remain suspended.Even as the number of Indian citizens entering China with visas for business visits, family visits are also expected to rise significantly after this move, experts in the travel industry say this may not mean much till direct flights to China are resumed. Currently, China and India are said to be negotiating details for the resumption of direct flights, which were curtailed during the pandemic.

Want to develop Ponda taluka as dev bhoomi for tourism: Goa CM Dayanand Bandodkar

Times of India | 1 month ago | |

Times of India

1 month ago | |

PANAJI: The state government will renovate the fortress at Farmagudi and a statue of Goa’s first chief minister Dayanand Bandodkar will be installed in the complex, chief minister Pramod Sawant said on Sunday. The Shree Ganesh temple at Farmagudi will also be renovated, he said.Similarly plans are also on the anvil to renovate all other forts in the state, the chief minister said at the state’s official event to celebrate Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti.He said that Ponda will be the focus of the state’s plans to develop Goa as a spiritual tourism destination.“I will make a budget provision this time to renovate the fortress at Farmagudi, to install a statue of Bhausaheb Bandodkar and to renovate the Shree Ganesh temple of Farmagudi. We will definitely take up this project and we want to develop Ponda taluka as a dev bhoomi from the tourism point of view. To grow spiritual tourism in Goa, Ponda taluka is the ideal place,” Sawant said.He said that to ensure that Goa is not left behind in attaining Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of a new India, “we are working to establish IT and electronic city, but, along with that, it is equally important to renovate our forts and other such places of historical importance”.“For the first time, we have established a research chair in the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the Goa University. The government is also working to renovate all forts in the state,” Sawant said, adding that the government is continuously working to see that the values of Shivaji Maharaj are imbibed in children and we will continue to work on it.“By stepping on this land of Gomantak, he had blessed this land. Under Portuguese rule, numerous temples were destroyed and if there was anyone who stopped that rampage, it was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It is from Narve in Bicholim with Shree Saptakoteshwar temple that he started the work of rebuilding a temple for the first time. I feel fortunate that I could inaugurate the renovated temple premises recently,” Sawant said.Shivaji Maharaj did not only rule, but worked to see that every person in his kingdom lived in peace and prosperity and with their self-respect intact, the chief minister said.

Nitin Gadkari to look into Bhoma bypass plan

Times of India | 1 month ago | |

Times of India

1 month ago | |

PANAJI: Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari has said that he will look into the request for a bypass road by halting the proposed plan to expand the existing highway passing through Corlim and Bhoma villages of North Goa. Union minister of state for tourism Shripad Naik had written to Gadkari to consider the villagers’ request for a bypass road.“I am in receipt of your letter dated November 11, 2022, requesting that road widening of NH4A through Corlim and Bhoma villages of North Goa be halted in favour of a bypass highway through the neighbouring fallow fields instead,” said Gadkari in his response to Naik. “I am having the matter looked into.” Corlim and Bhoma villagers are opposing the road widening, stating that it will lead to the loss of houses and temples and change the character of the village, which is one of the smallest in Goa.They state that the highway expansion will require the demolition of some important temples in the village. As a major chunk of the village land has already been utilised for an industrial estate, they said that the expansion of the road will further destroy the structure of the village.In October last year, a retired professor, Erwin De Sa, had written to Naik requesting that the proposed work be halted and that the construction of a bypass through the neighbouring fallow fields be considered instead. “I shall be grateful if you kindly look into the request by Professor De Sa and do the needful,” Naik, a resident of Corlim himself, had stated in his representation to Gadkari.The locals have proposed an alternative route of 7km that connects the Kadamba plateau to Kundaim. Not only is this route 2km shorter, but it also avoids human settlement areas and passes through mostly fallow land, according to the villagers.

Police, law officers join forces to tackle drug cases

Times of India | 1 month ago | |

Times of India

1 month ago | |

PANAJI: Amid a swell in drug cases in the state, held a brainstorming session on Tuesday — involving sub-divisional magistrates, mamlatdars and public prosecutors — to conceive ways to effectively prosecute the cases.Goa recorded a 65% increase in drug seizures in 2022 compared to the previous year. “An interactive session was organised by Goa police and anti-narcotics cell (ANC) in association with Narcotics Control Bureau at Altinho,” DGP Jaspal Singh said. During the interaction, NCB briefed the attendees about changes in law and spoke of the sections that should be invoked in narcotics-related cases. A senior officer said that discussions focused on such aspects as not wasting time after a raid, completing investigations within stipulated time and the proper storage of drugs seized in raids.Last year, Goa police seized over 207kg of narcotic substances worth more than Rs 5.1 crore and arrested 180 persons. Over half of those arrested were from outside the state (97), followed by Goans (54) and foreigners (29). Among the drugs seized were ganja, charas, LSD, MDMA, ecstasy tablets and powder, cocaine, hashish oil, heroin and cannabis.In 2021, Goa police seized over 134kg of various kinds of drugs worth more than Rs 2.7 crore and arrested 138 persons. Goa police said that citizens of Nigeria, Russia, Uganda, Japan, Belarus, the Netherlands, the US, Nepal, Tanzania, the UK, and Liberia have been arrested by the ANC, crime branch, and various police stations. North Goa police stations seized 71kg of drugs and the ANC, 51kg.Police said that most of the narcotics seized were natural, such as ganja and charas. Synthetic drugs, police said, are imported by foreigners and are chiefly used during parties. A senior officer said that since the resumption of tourism activities after the pandemic, drugs have started moving into the state.

Goa police, law officers join forces to tackle drug cases

Times of India | 1 month ago | |

Times of India

1 month ago | |

PANAJI: Amid a swell in drug cases in the state, held a brainstorming session on Tuesday — involving sub-divisional magistrates, mamlatdars and public prosecutors — to conceive ways to effectively prosecute the cases.Goa recorded a 65% increase in drug seizures in 2022 compared to the previous year. “An interactive session was organised by Goa police and anti-narcotics cell (ANC) in association with Narcotics Control Bureau at Altinho,” DGP Jaspal Singh said. During the interaction, NCB briefed the attendees about changes in law and spoke of the sections that should be invoked in narcotics-related cases. A senior officer said that discussions focused on such aspects as not wasting time after a raid, completing investigations within stipulated time and the proper storage of drugs seized in raids.Last year, Goa police seized over 207kg of narcotic substances worth more than Rs 5.1 crore and arrested 180 persons. Over half of those arrested were from outside the state (97), followed by Goans (54) and foreigners (29). Among the drugs seized were ganja, charas, LSD, MDMA, ecstasy tablets and powder, cocaine, hashish oil, heroin and cannabis.In 2021, Goa police seized over 134kg of various kinds of drugs worth more than Rs 2.7 crore and arrested 138 persons. Goa police said that citizens of Nigeria, Russia, Uganda, Japan, Belarus, the Netherlands, the US, Nepal, Tanzania, the UK, and Liberia have been arrested by the ANC, crime branch, and various police stations. North Goa police stations seized 71kg of drugs and the ANC, 51kg.Police said that most of the narcotics seized were natural, such as ganja and charas. Synthetic drugs, police said, are imported by foreigners and are chiefly used during parties. A senior officer said that since the resumption of tourism activities after the pandemic, drugs have started moving into the state.

Goa to become first state to set up carbon & climate resilience fund

Times of India | 1 month ago | |

Times of India

1 month ago | |

PANAJI: Goa has become the first state in the country to initiate the setting up of a low carbon and climate resilient green fund, with assistance from the World Bank, while Niti Aayog is helping the state complete the required procedures. The fund, once set up, will be operated by a dedicated project management unit, and will help Goa to submit projects before different national and international agencies to access finance for carbon and climate-resilient investments. To begin with, Goa has proposed to set up a $5 million fund to carry out the necessary studies for the project. Official sources said that already, two meetings have taken place with World Bank officials to finetune the project. A project report has already been submitted to Niti Aayog in this regard.Without any liabilities to the state, the project will first involve carrying out a study by June 2024, which will assess Goa’s climate and development landscape, carry out a low carbon and climate resilient scenario analysis, and prepare a draft blueprint of a blended finance facility for the state.“Goa already has an EV policy, a sustainable tourism policy, etc, but requires the financial mechanism to successfully implement them. A blended climate finance facility will enable the state to access finance for low-carbon and climate resilient investments, and to implement the policies. The project report prepared at present is for technical assistance through a World Bank-executed trust fund to help identify the potential blended finance mechanism suitable for Goa,” said an official.Goa, through the project, hopes to leverage World Bank’s global experience and knowledge in innovative financing. “It will ensure that climate finance experts from various regions and domains are consulted, and the best practices and a feasible mechanism for operationalising the financing facility is systematically incorporated,” the official said.The studies to be carried out will be baseline assessments (for Goa) of current climate risks and vulnerabilities, the state’s emissions profile and trends, its climate commitments, policies, and institutional framework. Accordingly, a detailed scenario analysis across sectors will be developed with time frames, to identify ways to increase resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and to estimate related financing needs to mitigate climate risks.“The blueprint, which is eventually created of a blended finance facility, will leverage various sources of finance to provide low-cost finance and to catalyse sustainable low-carbon and climate-resilient investments in the state, to be scaled up and institutionalised through regular schemes of the government,” the official said.He said that in the long-term, the project will enable the Goa government to have a deeper understanding in the areas of low carbon resilient pathways, financial requirements, institutional framework, enhanced capacities for identification and accessing climate finance instruments for investments to support achievement of the state’s climate goals.“It will also enable the state to access finance through the creation of a blended finance facility, which would leverage public, private, international, and domestic climate finance,” said the official.

Goa CM Pramod Sawant to present budget on March 27

Times of India | 1 month ago | |

Times of India

1 month ago | |

PANAJI: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday said he will present the annual budget on the first day of the five-day budget assembly session beginning March 27. “I will present the budget on March 27. Thereafter, there will be a discussion for three days on the budget before the vote on account is taken,” Sawant told TOI. He said the full budget will be passed in the monsoon session of the assembly.A budget of around Rs 25,000 crore is likely to be presented. During the last budget, post the assembly elections, Sawant had presented a Rs 24,467 crore plan for 2022-23 with a strong focus on job creation and making Goa self-reliant. Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar confirmed to TOI that the budget session will commence on March 27 and continue till March 31.The finance department has completed meetings with other government departments to understand their requirements. A lot of proposals have been submitted to the finance department, which will be scrutinised before they find place in the budget speech.Sawant is also likely to hold his usual meetings with stakeholders to understand the demands of industry, tourism and other sectors before finalising his budget.As of now, the state government has generated Rs 14,000 crore in the form of various receipts and has paid outstanding loans of around Rs 800 crore. It has so far borrowed Rs 1,500 crore when the borrowing limit is Rs 3,700 crore. The government is expecting around Rs 1,000 crore from revenue receipts till March 31.Last budget, the state government had expected a revenue of Rs 650 crore from mining, but this time it will have more expectations from the sector as it has started auctioning of mining blocks to resume mining activities.The budget is likely to focus on the state government’s flagship programme, Swayampurna Goa 2.0, skill development and employment generation among others.After the Union budget was presented, Sawant said that the state government may get over Rs 7,000 crore under various Centre-sponsored schemes. “By March 31, we will get over Rs 5,000 crore,” Sawant had said that the state will get more benefits this year compared to the previous years.Sawant had said that Goa will set aside Rs 2,000 crore from the fund for a circle road connecting all border points of the state. He had said that urban development funds have been announced in the Union Budget and the state will seek funds for all 13 municipalities. He had said that the state is aiming to get additional Rs 500 crore for developing rural infra.

CM says govt open to theme park on vacant ind’l estates like Quitol

Times of India | 1 month ago | |

Times of India

1 month ago | |

Panaji: The government is toying with the idea of setting up amusement parks and tourism ventures at industrial estates which are lying vacant and which have not found favour with manufacturing units, said chief minister Pramod Sawant. Sawant, who was addressing the Verna Industries Association on Friday, said that Quitol is one of the industrial estates where not a single manufacturing industry has been set up.“There are two industrial estates where no industry is willing to start, for example Quitol. An amusement park should be allowed to come up. It will generate employment for more than 1,000 people,” said Sawant. “We want either IT, pharma or green industries, and tourism is also an industry.”The chief minister was speaking at the ‘IDC Connect’ initiative started by the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC).The Quitol Industrial Estate at Quepem was earmarked for a food processing park, but the project never took off. The barren land on the Quitol plateau was temporarily used to host the ministry of defence’s Land, Naval & Internal Homeland Security Systems Exhibition (DefExpo) in 2016.Sawant explained that the government wants to efficiently utilise all industrial land for economic activity, and in line with this thought it is ready to bring in a scheme to regularise unauthorised manufacturing units or allotted plots which have not been utilised.“We are ready to legalise everything if you are ready to pay the fees and allow industrial activity to start. We are ready to charge even 20%. At the end of the day, we want the plots to be utilised,” said Sawant. A day earlier, GIDC chairman Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco had said that a one-time settlement scheme would be introduced to allow manufacturing units to clear their pending dues and other unpaid fees.Sawant said that a survey of all industrial estates will be undertaken and a digital land bank will be created. “Even the drone-based survey of industrial estates will be taken up, which has never happened till today. We don’t know which plot has been given to whom, which plots are vacant and whether a plot has been given on lease,” said Sawant.The chief minister also told manufacturing firms to stop using their CSR funds on activities in other states and to instead contribute to the Goa CSR Authority. Sawant said that the CSR authority will use the funds to improve the industrial estates. “Whatever CSR certification you need, the Goa CSR authority is ready to give. Why are you spending your money on CSR activities in other states? Crores are spent on CSR activity in other states, but has any industry thought about spending the money in Goa for the industrial estate? The CSR authority has the mandate,” said Sawant.

Will ask for Mangaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat trains via Goa: CM Pramod Sawant

Times of India | 1 month ago | |

Times of India

1 month ago | |

PANAJI: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday said that the state will write to Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to start semi high-speed Vande Bharat trains between Mangaluru to Mumbai via Goa to boost tourism.He said there is a need to start flights between Manohar International Airport at Mopa and Mangaluru.“I have travelled to Mangaluru and back by train. I will write to the Union railway minister to start Wi-Fi-equipped trains running along the Goa route and to start a Vande Bharat train from Mangaluru to Mumbai via Goa to boost tourism,” Sawant said.Sawant said that there is a need to start air connectivity between Mangaluru and Goa. “I have discussed various issues with the chamber of commerce of Mangaluru. They have shown interest in commencing various trades with Goa. I think there is a need for air connectivity between Mopa airport and Mangaluru which will benefit both the states,” he said.Sawant said that both Goa and Mangaluru have ports and airports which will help increase the trade that will benefit both sides.On Wednesday, Vaishnaw assured to make halts of two long-distance trains at Canacona KRC Railway Station, while the halt for the third train will soon be considered.Sawant said that the last Akhil Vishwa Konkani Sammelan was held in 1996. “If they want to host the next Akhil Vishwa Konkani Sammelan in Goa then the state government will support the initiative as Goa is the only state with the official language as Konkani, and we are ready to host it. They have to finalise the dates for the same,” Sawant said.

Goa Tourism Development Corporation acts tough against contractors delaying projects

Times of India | 1 month ago | |

Times of India

1 month ago | |

PANAJI: Irked with private contractors repeatedly delaying various contracts such as for public toilets, parking spaces and tourism services, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation’s (GTDC) board met on Friday and served an ultimatum to the agencies.From the delay in commissioning a new river cruise vessel to excuses about managing pay-parking facilities at GTDC properties, tourism minister Rohan Khaunte demanded that all works be executed in a time-bound manner. Khaunte said that some contractors have been “dilly-dallying for the last six to nine months” without executing the contracts.“We have serious concerns about the contractors, like those given the contract for a toilet facility,” said Khaunte after the board meeting. “Such issues are there at Anjuna, Mayem and many other places where the contractors for parking have not done anything. We have given them a strict deadline and told them to start.”TOI on Friday had reported how the parking contractor at Baga has converted part of the public toilet into a clothing store.“Yesterday they started selling some clothes where toilets are supposed to be. So on Friday, we went and took action, but the important thing is to look at the O&M (operations and maintenance) partners who have come in and to look at what they (contractors) have committed to and ensure they do not deviate from the agreement. These issues were discussed by the board,” said Khaunte.Khaunte and GTDC chairman Ganesh Gaonkar have asked department officials to issue strict directions to contractors and agencies appointed through the public-private-partnership (PPP) route to abide by the stipulated norms of the contract, including the deadlines.“In the coming days, a new passenger boat will start operations. It was supposed to start after Covid, but it keeps getting delayed, so we have asked them to give us a final date,” said Khaunte.The GTDC board deliberated and screened presentations for various projects, including the proposal for a digital museum at Aguada Jail.“The facilities that are created need to be used and operations need to start. the O&M partners have been told to start working fast so that the GTDC and the government can start getting revenue,” said Khaunte.

Soon, circle road to connect Goa’s border checkposts

Times of India | 1 month ago | |

Times of India

1 month ago | |

PANAJI: Aiming to boost hinterland tourism and the rural economy, the state government is planning to connect all five of the state’s border checkposts with a ‘circle road’. The project is expected to ease the traffic congestion created by heavy vehicles passing through the state.“We have received a letter from Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari on the circle road, and soon, he will appoint a consultant to prepare a detailed project report,” chief minister Pramod Sawant said.He said that the state will ensure that the project is put on the fast track to boost the rural economy. “Half the land for the circle road is with the government, and in case it passes through forests, an elevated road will be constructed,” Sawant said. Sawant told TOI that the circle road will connect the Patradevi, Dodamarg, Keri, Mollem and Collem checkposts. “If a vehicle enters from Maharashtra and wants to go to Karnataka, it can avoid the national highway passing through the cities and villages of the state, and take the circle road. This will not put additional burden on existing traffic, and also save fuel.” Sawant said.Sawant said that the circle road will also help in achieving the state government’s plans to turn Manohar International Airport, Mopa, into a logistics hub. “Goods can be transported to Mopa airport from other states without entering the state’s towns and cities, and goods can also leave the state without putting pressure on the existing national highways in the state,” Sawant said.

Bungle marks launch of tourist helpline

Times of India | 1 month ago | |

Times of India

1 month ago | |

Panaji: Goa Tourism’s dedicated helpline for tourists had chief minister Pramod Sawant entangled in a gaffe with the opening call, as the customer care executive was unable to tell him the starting point of the Carnival.The helpline, 1364, was launched on Friday. To demonstrate its functioning, the chief minister called and asked for the details of the upcoming Carnival.The customer care executive told Sawant that Carnival will be celebrated from February 18 to 21, prompting him to follow up with a question about the venue for the first day of the festival. The executive’s response left Sawant and the entire team red-faced. “The location given is Panaji, Mapusa, Margao, and Vasco, but the first place is not yet finalised,” said the executive. Sawant expressed surprise and the crowd laughed. Going with the flow, Sawant told the executive that he would take up the issue with the tourism minister.

On third try, govt hopes its heli service takes off

Times of India | 1 month ago | |

Times of India

1 month ago | |

Panaji: In its third attempt, the Goa government has launched a helicopter service for high net worth individuals and luxury tourists. The helicopter service, which is priced at Rs 8,000 per head for a 10-minute trip, is part of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation’s attempt to woo high-end tourists.The heli service will offer connecting flights between Goa International Airport, Dabolim, and Manohar International Airport, Mopa. Apart from joyrides, the operator is offering trips to Kolhapur, Shirdi, Hampi, and other places, along with rides to select beaches in Goa. “The Goa government has started an attempt to offer services to high-end tourists. We are focusing on ease of doing business and high-end services for tourists,” said chief minister Pramod Sawant at the launch event at the Old Goa helipad.Soaring Aerospace, headed by Anubhav Sharma, will operate the helicopter service, which is being promoted in Goa as part of the Union tourism ministry’s swadesh darshan scheme. The helipad at Dauji-Ella, Old Goa, has been constructed under the scheme.In 2016, GTDC had partnered with Pawan Hans Helicopter Limited (PHHL) to start joyrides from the Aguada helipad. In May 2022, the Goa government took yet another shot at a helicopter service, joining hands with Blade India.Blade India had announced three rides — connecting the airport to South and North Goa, charter service from Maharashtra and within Goa, and 10-minute experiential flights giving a bird’s eye view of the state’s coastline.“The heli service will start offering new perspectives for tourists. Helicopter services give you a joyride, give you a connection with neighbouring states, and the opportunity to explore Goa in different ways like heritage, eco-tourism,” said tourism minister Rohan Khaunte. “There are many people in the state who would like to go to these places who find the drive quite cumbersome.”Sawants said that the state government has decided to focus on improving amenities for tourists and high net worth individuals.“We welcome anyone who is ready to invest in tourism services, and we will also announce schemes to encourage public-private partnership in Goa, because only when this happens can we provide the services that are required in Goa,” said Sawant.Sawant also announced that Goa is taking strides towards achieving the UN’s sustainable development goals. He said that efforts are being taken to improve Goa’s score from fourth in the national rankings on sustainable development goals to the first or second position.The chief minister also announced that the state is trying to expedite the construction of the convention centre at Patto so that it can be ready in time for the eight G20 meetings that are scheduled to be held in Goa.

GTDC clears out encroachers from tourism facility at Baga

Times of India | 1 month ago | |

Times of India

1 month ago | |

Calangute: On a day TOI highlighted the misuse of Goa Tourism Development Corporation’s (GTDC) pay parking facility in Baga, authorities acted swiftly and removed the tattoo parlour, clothes shop and coconut water stall from the premises. “The GTDC has taken cognisance of the misuse of the parking space at the public convenience and tourist information centre at Baga, and issued a show cause notice to the appointed operator in charge — Akatva Speciality Services Pvt Ltd,” the corporation said, referring to the TOI report. “The operator has been pulled up and strictly warned against misconduct,” it said. “The public’s safety and convenience are of paramount importance to the GTDC, and anyone practising unlawful behaviour and/or defaulters will be dealt with in the strictest manner possible,” GTDC warned in a statement. The GTDC action came after TOI reported that tourism stakeholders at Baga expressed surprise after the parking contractor at Baga converted part of the pay toilet into a clothes shop and tattoo parlour, while the security booth outside the ‘tourist information centre’ (TIC) had been turned into a tender coconut stall.

State tourism minister Rohan Khaunte launches Goa chapter of the National Restaurant Association of India

Times of India | 1 month ago | |

Times of India

1 month ago | |

PANAJI: Nearly 45 percent of Goa’s population linked to the restaurant industry with nearly 50 percent of the money spent by tourists being spent on food and drink, said Prahlad Sukhtankar, the head of the National Restaurant Association of India’s (NRAI) newly launched Goa chapter.Sukhtankar said that the data is from a recent study that underlines the significance of restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs to the Goan economy."So for every rupee spent in Goa, 50 paise is directly spent on food and beverage, because that’s the main activity here. People either go to restaurants and bars, or will go to nightclubs and there again they will eat and drink,” said Sukhtankar.Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte launched NRAI’s Goa chapter at a Dona Paula based resort on Thursday.Khaunte welcomed the setting up of the Goa chapter of the NRAI and said that the association would serve as a platform for restaurateurs to voice their legitimate grievances with the government for faster redressal.Though chief minister Dr. Pramod Sawant did not attend the event, in a video message he urged the food and beverage sector to come together, share ideas and best practices.

Tattoo parlour, garment shop clog GTDC’s Baga parking lot toilet

Times of India | 1 month ago | |

Times of India

1 month ago | |

CALANGUTE: Tourism stakeholders at Baga are taken aback to learn that the parking contractor of the GTDC pay-and-park facility has allegedly converted a part of the pay toilet into a garment shop and a tattoo parlour. Moreover, the security booth outside the tourist information centre (TIC) has been turned into a stall selling tender coconuts. The TIC itself will shortly have an ice-cream parlour, with a signboard already in place.The parking facility has been contracted to a Karnataka company. The contractor had recently landed a helicopter carrying his family members at the parking lot.In 2021, following objections from stakeholders, a fast-food restaurant which had been opened at the Candolim TIC was shut down.Calangute MLA Michael Lobo had in the past opposed attempts by the tourism minister at the time, Manohar Azjaonkar, to convert TICs into commercial outlets. “International tourist destinations such as Bali and Sri Lanka have information centres on prominent beaches where tourists can get information about the places to visit,” Lobo had said.“We want such facilities here in Candolim and Calangute and on all other beaches in Goa.”According to GTDC, it has appointed a contractor to manage the TICs.The development of the sprawling GTDC property at Baga including the paid-parking lot, toilets and the tourist information centre had been carried out by the state government under the ‘Swadesh Darshan’ scheme of the central government about six years ago.The Centre had sanctioned Rs 100 crore to the state government for developing various facilities for tourists in the ‘coastal tourism circuit’. Parking lots, toilets and TICs were part of the plan.The foundation stones for the development of facilities at Baga, Calangute and Candolim were laid in 2014 by the CM at the time, Manohar Parrikar. Baga and Calangute facilities were inaugurated in 2016, and Candolim facilities two years ago.

Goa may get Rs 7,000 crore from Union Budget: CM Pramod Sawant

Times of India | 1 month ago | |

Times of India

1 month ago | |

PANAJI: A day after the Union Budget was presented, CM Pramod Sawant on Thursday said that the state government may get over Rs 7,000 crore under various Centre-sponsored schemes. “By March 31, we will get over Rs 5,000 crore,” Sawant said. He said that the state will get more benefits this year compared to the previous years.Sawant said Goa will set aside Rs 2,000 crore from the fund for a circle road connecting all border points of the state. He said that urban development funds have been announced in the Union Budget and the state will seek funds for all 13 municipalities. He said that the state is aiming to get additional Rs 500 crore for developing rural infra.The CM said the state will take the Centre’s help to open an artificial intelligence (AI) centre of excellence and a Skill India centre. He said the Centre’s assistance will also be sought to launch a national hydrogen mission, set up two cities to be developed as tourism centres and establish organic farming centres in both districts. Sawant said that the state will try to implement the Unity Mall concept in Goa. As for the circle road, he said it will be a part of the national highways initiative. “We want to develop a circle road which will connect all the boundaries from Dodamarg, Patradevi, and Mollem to Pollem.” All state roads will be linked to the circle road, he said.Sawant said that the state government received Rs 3,865 crore in 2020-21 from the central government under various schemes. He said that in 2021-22 the state received Rs 4,304 crore.Sawant said the Union Budget presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday will boost the state government’s initiative of Swayampurna Goa.With the fresh outlays, the state government will also establish the Eklavya residential school, Sawant said. He said that the Budget is a vision document for the next 25 years for the country. He said that the Budget has covered the interests of villages, the poor, farmers, persons with disabilities, and the middle class among others. “The focus of the budget is on infrastructure development, human development and the creation of digital infrastructure,” Sawant said.Goa transport minister Mauvin Godinho said that interest-free loans have been proposed in the Budget for states to develop infrastructure.

"Not Modi's Idea Of India": French Actor Alleges Forced To Leave Goa Home

Ndtv | 1 month ago | |

Ndtv

1 month ago | |

Marianne Borgo said that she was leaving the bungalow in Calangute.Panaji: A 75-year-old French actor, who had alleged she was held hostage in her own home in North Goa over a property dispute, said she has left the premises and that she is disappointed despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to create a tourism-friendly image of India.Marianne Borgo said on Thursday night that she was leaving the bungalow in Calangute, a beach town near Panaji which is popular with tourists, after an 11-day-long blockade of her gate allegedly by the widow of the previous owner.She had alleged last week that she was being held hostage in her own house and that the people staking claim to her property had cut its electricity and water connections, forcing her to live in dark.Ms Borgo said she could not remain any longer without a proper bath and her health was deteriorating due to the current circumstances.“This is not Modi's Idea of India. He has been working all over the world to create a positive tourism-friendly image but the recent events have left me disappointed as I feel the achievements are not able to reach the state level here in Goa,” she said in a statement.The local police had claimed that they could not intervene in the matter as the dispute has reached court.Borgo (Chicherio) said she bought the spacious house in 2008 from a lawyer named Francisco Sousa but things went awry for her after Souza died during the COVID pandemic.Trained at the Paris-based Centre d'Arte Dramatique and Conservatoire National d'Arte Dramatique (National Academy of Dramatic Arts), Borgo has worked extensively in films, television and theatre across Europe and India.PromotedListen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.comHer credits include the original “The Bourne Identity”, “A Little Princess”, and Franco-American rom-com/drama “Le Divorce” alongside Kate Hudson, Glenn Close and Stephen Fry.She was a recurring character in the French thriller series “Profilage”, and most recently led in the Indian production “Danny Goes Aum”. PTI RPS NR NR NRFeatured Video Of The DaySiddique Kappan: A Case Of Systematic Injustice?

NGT admits plea challenging CRZ notification 2019

Times of India | 1 month ago | |

Times of India

1 month ago | |

Margao: National Green Tribunal (NGT) has admitted a petition which challenges CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) notification, 2019, while stating that the matter requires “in-depth consideration” to determine how far the notification is “likely to damage ecology”.According to the petition filed by Goa Foundation, the CRZ notification of 2019 has taken regressive steps in the protection of ecology and the rights of fishing communities, favouring commercial and intensive organisational activities instead.NGT has directed the Centre and the state government to submit replies within four weeks. “…we have to compare the amendments which have been brought about in CRZ notification, 2019, compared to the earlier notifications and determine how far they are likely to damage the ecology,” the NGT Western Zone Bench said. “Therefore, we admit this application.”Counsel Norma Alvares with advocate Om D’Costa stated that the new notification has abandoned turtle nesting beaches by dropping their names and has jettisoned the khazan system which is a unique ecological feature of Goa, linked to tidal action.In addition, the new notification has reduced the NDZ (No Development Zone) along seacoast to 50 metres from the earlier 200 metres “which is unacceptable in view of sea level rise and ingress of sea water into coastal areas,” the petition said.“The NDZ in the impugned notification is now a nomenclature without any meaning,” stated the submission by Goa Foundation.Temporary tourism facilities are permitted on beaches in both CRZ-II and CRZ-III at a distance of merely 10 metres from the HTL (High Tide Line), which would include shacks, toilets, washrooms, walkways, and seating arrangements.“Eco-tourism activities have been permitted, which would permit setting up of tree huts for tourists,” Goa Foundation stated.Sand dunes were given full protection under CRZ notifications 1991 and 2011 but now the new notification protects only ‘active’ sand dunes but ‘active’ has not been defined.“Tourists are permitted to reside in tents on sand dunes or tree huts in the NDZ, which is sure to lead to the destruction of the dunes/ESAs (Ecologically Sensitive Areas)”.Goa Foundation added, “The notification will bring a large population closer to the sea and would expose it to its impending dangers with NDZ of 50 metres only regarding which there is no rationale.” According to the petition, the CRZ notification of 2019 has taken regressive steps in the protection of ecology and the rights of fishing communities, favouring commercial activities instead

Relax sound curbs for Shigmo: AAP

Times of India | 1 month ago | |

Times of India

1 month ago | |

Panaji: AAP’s Goa youth wing has appealed to the government for relaxation on sound restrictions to celebrate Shigmo. National youth wing president Siddesh Bhagat hit out at the tourism department for stating that Shigmo celebrations cannot continue beyond 10pm. “Environment minister Nilesh Cabral had said that the sound rules won’t come in the way of religion and culture. Shigmo is our tradition and culture. Why hold the festival just for the sake of doing it? The programme starts at 9pm and cannot be completed within an hour,” Bhagat said. “People are spending money and the government cannot impose restrictions,” he said.

Goa: Citizens allege river diversion and coal handling linked, protest at MPA

Times of India | 1 month ago | |

Times of India

1 month ago | |

VASCO/MARGAO: Citizens protested outside the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) on Monday demanding that the MPA stop coal operations and immediately shift to green cargo and cruise tourism. They said that a large number of steel and power plants, which are water-guzzling industries, have been proposed near the Malaprabha river basin, and that coal handling in Goa and the diversion of the Mhadei are linked.The protesters said that the Mhadei is being diverted only to benefit these steel plants and not for the farmers or drinking water purposes for locals, as is being falsely portrayed. The coal used by these steel plants is being transported from MPA to Karnataka via the rail network, they alleged.“If coal handling is stopped in Goa, the water consumed by steel plants, which is much more than the diversion proposed, will be available for farmers in Karnataka. If coal handling is allowed in Goa, the diversion of the Mhadei at Kalsa and Bandura and, subsequently, the diversion of other rivers flowing across state borders is inevitable,” the protesters stated in a memorandum to the MPA chairperson. A large number of citizens held a peaceful rally under the banner of United Vascokars and Goans. “The coal transportation is purely for the steel plants and the profit of private corporations. There is no benefit for Goa,” the citizens stated in their memorandum to the MPA. “The Mhadei water crises will be resolved only when coal handling and transportation are stopped at MPA,” said green activist Abhijit Prabhudesai. The protesters condemned the state government for its failure to protect the state’s interests.

Tatas for major expansion in Goa, set to pump in Rs 300 crore

Times of India | 1 month ago | |

Times of India

1 month ago | |

PANAJI: Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), the hospitality arm of the Tata Group, has prepared a robust expansion roadmap for Goa, and intends to invest around Rs 300 crore in new properties in the state. The company is looking to add to its existing portfolio of 23 hotels in Goa by opening up several new resorts over the next two to three years.Among the new projects IHCL intends to set up is a “super luxury dream project” at the Fort Aguada and Taj Holiday Village, Sinquerim.“There are a lot of projects in the pipeline that we want to showcase in the next few years. One of our dream projects is going to come up at the Fort Aguada and Taj Holiday Village. We want to pump in a lot of money into the state,” senior vice-president, IHCL-Goa, Vincent Ramos, told TOI in an exclusive interview.Currently, IHCL operates 23 resorts and homestays in the state, and has emerged as the largest hospitality chain in Goa’s tourism sector. IHCL operates resorts under a group of brands, which includes Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta, Ginger, and homestays under the ama Stays & Trails brand.Led by IHCL’s chief executive officer and managing director Puneet Chhatwal, IHCL aims to have around 1,700 rooms in Goa under its portfolio by December 31.“Goa has been the largest market. Goa’s expansion has been the largest in our portfolio, and it has been the fastest. We are growing in other states, but not as aggressively as the way we are growing in Goa, and that is why you can see the huge profits,” said Ramos.In 2021-22, amidst the pandemic, IHCL raked in a profit of Rs 160 crore just from Goa. The state contributed 45% to IHCL’s topline in 2021-22, but going forward, this is expected to settle at around 40%.Despite Covid-19 acting as a dampener on tourism and travel, IHCL saw sustained demand from domestic and international travellers for Goa. The opening of Goa’s second international airport at Mopa has also prompted the Tata Group to place large bets on North Goa.“We are expanding exponentially in Goa. SeleQtions, Ginger, and ama Stay & Trails will witness new additions. Right now, our investment in the hotels that are in the pipeline and the ones that have been recently opened up would be around Rs 300 crore,” said Ramos.Asked if IHCL has identified plans to set up a resort next to the greenfield airport, Ramos said that the company would certainly like to be the first mover. “We are looking at potential opportunities around the new airport, however, nothing has been confirmed yet,” he said.Ramos said that the company is in close discussions with the government and local partners to set up the new resorts. He said that over the next 24 months, IHCL will focus on the Ginger brand, which has proved to be a success for the company. “Ginger is our success story in Goa because we make 60% of our profit there,” he said.Given the rapid expansion plans for the state, IHCL is well en route to strengthen its position as the largest hospitality chain in Goa.

‘70 touts booked for beach illegalities’

Times of India | 2 months ago | |

Times of India

2 months ago | |

Panaji: Tourism minister Rohan Khaunte told the House on Thursday that 70 touts who were operating on beaches were booked. However, St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar questioned why action is not being taken against others as almost all beaches have vendors operating illegally. Raising the issue during Question Hour, Borkar said, “Several touts operate on beach belts, but only 70 have been booked. The tourism industry is getting affected,” said Borkar.The tourism minister said they have 43 beach wardens throughout the coast, who report illegalities to the police. Police who are deployed are short-staffed, but CM Pramod Sawant has been apprised of the issue, and he had agreed to deploy more personnel, he said. tnn