MAPUSA
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte informed the Goa Legislative Assembly on Wednesday that the government is leveraging various central and state-level schemes to enhance and promote hinterland tourism in Goa.
He stated that a comprehensive hinterland tourism policy is in the works and that all stakeholders, including MLAs, will be consulted in its formulation.
“We are utilising central and State government schemes to promote hinterland tourism,” Khaunte announced.
“As part of our promotional campaign, the Tourism department, along with the travel trade, will participate in key international and domestic travel marts and exhibitions to showcase hinterland tourism,” he added.
Khaunte highlighted that the government has already implemented the Homestay Scheme and Caravan Scheme to support hinterland tourism. Additionally, he noted that Rs 10 crore has been approved for the Tourism development of Mayem and surrounding areas.
The minister was responding to questions from Bicholim MLA Chandrakant Shetye, who inquired about the popularity of hinterland tourism among visitors and the specific locations offering such experiences in the State.
Khaunte acknowledged that while the process of preparing a hinterland tourism policy is ongoing, the government is focusing on rural areas in Canacona, Sanguem, Sanvordem, Sattari, and Bicholim for promotion.
The Tourism department reported that approximately 82 lakh domestic and 4.5 lakh foreign tourists visited Goa last year.
However, due to privacy regulations, the department does not track tourists’ preferences, and thus, it lacks specific data on the number of visitors opting for hinterland tourism.
Shetye highlighted Bicholim’s attractions, including historic temples, the state’s second-largest Shivalinga, Amthane dam and various local festivals such as ‘Gade’.
He urged the inclusion of Bicholim in the tourism circuit, alongside Porvorim and Mayem, to further promote hinterland tourism.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao called on the tourism minister to ensure measures are taken to prevent drugs and land sharks from infiltrating rural areas.
Alemao also questioned the allocation of Rs 10 crore for hinterland tourism, asking, “Tourism department has not yet selected any locations for hinterland tourism. So Rs 10 crore was spent for what?”
In response, Khaunte explained that the government is focused on creating the necessary infrastructure and facilities through various schemes from both the central and state governments to expand tourism in rural areas.
