PANAJI
In the ongoing dispute between jeep operators and the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) over online bookings at Dudhsagar Falls in Collem, the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) has urged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to maintain his stance on implementing online bookings.
“There is a need for a designated agency to operate the booking counter for smooth and efficient processing. GTDC has knowledge and experience, and hence is ideal to manage this,” TTAG President Jack Sukhija said, speaking to 'The Goan'.
Sukhija further explained that while there is a slight cost increase, jeep operators are not losing revenue, as the additional fees go to the government as taxes.
“With GTDC taking over the operations and the CM announcing online booking in the recent past, we request him to remain firm on his decision,” he added.
The issue has attracted political attention with former Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Tendulkar assuring that the CM will resolve the issue after consulting stakeholders. Tendulkar also discussed the matter with BJP State President Sadanand Shet Tanavade whereas former MLA Deepak Pauskar – who met Sawant earlier on Friday -- promised a solution within 24 hours.
Besides the post-seasonal rainfall affecting footfalls to the waterfalls, the Dudhsagar Jeep Operators Association accused the GTDC of setting up a new counter to collect fees from tourists which led to a decline in tourist numbers. They have demanded the closure of the counters and also expressed resentment toward e-bookings.
Over two months back, the operators opposed GTDC’s Rs 177 charge per visitor to Dudhsagar Falls and the Forest Department’s fee increase from Rs 100 to Rs 150. They claimed that with an additional Rs 200 guide charge per person, the revised rates totalled Rs 527 per visitor, which would affect footfalls.
