Goa aims to become zero carbon emission State before 2050

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte honour an awardee during the World Tourism Day function at Taj Cidade De Goa - Horizon, Dona Paula.

Photo Credits: Narayan Pissurlenkar

PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said that the State government is working overtime to transform Goa into a zero carbon emission state before 2050.

Speaking at an event to mark World Tourism Day, the CM also stated that attracting green investment in the travel and tourism sector in the coastal state to make the sector more sustainable.

“We believe that Goa should be declared carbon emission zero before 2050. We are working to be the number one State in every way by creating infrastructure for green energy, which includes charging stations. We have also decided to make Panaji a solar city in the near future,” he said, as the stakeholders earlier discussed the year’s theme ‘Tourism and Green Investments’.

Speaking about various facets of tourism that Goa offers to the world, the CM further stated that this sector has immense potential to provide jobs to locals.

Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, also present at the event, reiterated the government’s endeavour on tourism sustainability from a long-term perspective, which meant “investing in the people, investing in the planet and investing in prosperity, through policies involving homestays, promoting sustainable tourism in the hinterlands, celebrating cultural festivals, which not only include Carnival and Shigmo, but festivals like Chikhal kalo and others too.”

President of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa Nilesh Shah also echoed that investing in sustainable tourism is investing in a better future for all.

National Restaurants Association of India - Goa chapter head Prahlad Sukhtankar said that restaurants, however small, should adopt a sustainable approach.

The CM further stressed the importance of industry support in promoting the concepts of "Vocal for Local" and "Vocal for Global."

TTAG, SKAL Goa and Goa Tourism also honoured the family of late Vincent Ramos, senior vice president of the Indian Hotels Company Limited, while announcing an annual scholarship and a citation in his honour at the event. The citation was presented to Devansh Cholera of Cosmic Ventures for running an ‘Innovation Startup in Tourism’.

A scholarship of Rs 1 lakh, instituted in memory of Ramos, was awarded to Joshua Fernandes, a first-year student studying at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) - Goa.

Govt to promote sports tourism
After diversifying its efforts to promote Goa beyond beaches, the State government is firmly committed to fostering Sports Tourism with the upcoming National Games to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Addressing a gathering on the occasion of World Tourism Day at Dona Paula on Wednesday, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant revealed that the inauguration of the National Games in Goa is scheduled for October 25 or October 26.

“We have embarked on a Sports Tourism journey. The National Games will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi, on either October 25 or October 26 in Goa. We are hosting a beach volleyball tournament with participation from over 31 countries. It is a big boost for tourism,” he said.

Addressing concerns from stakeholders in South Goa who earlier complained that events of such magnitude are not held in their district, the government has chosen Varca Beach as the venue for the tournament.

The CM also spoke about the ongoing enhancement of infrastructure around key tourist destinations while adding that the government has allocated over Rs 30 crore for cleaning of beaches, highways, and urban areas.

“The overall tourist experience will significantly improve with upgraded infrastructure,” he stated, emphasizing that maintaining a ‘clean and green’ Goa should be a collective responsibility rather than solely of the government.

Sawant also urged investments from private players in tourism projects, citing a past incident during the Congress-led government in 2011 when a building inaugurated in Keri saw taps and doors missing within three months.

“We are actively focusing on diversifying tourism beyond our beaches by promoting spiritual and wellness tourism, among others and we encourage private investments in these areas. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are crucial for advancing tourism, and the government is ready to provide necessary support,” he added.