PANAJI
Marred with allegations over unfair and unregulated tourist taxi business in the coastal State, the Goa Tourism Board, chaired by the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday decided to regulate the taxi fares at the airports, railways and cruise terminals, ensuring uniform pricing.
The Board also decided to introduce a single-window clearance system in a bid to streamline and expedite various permissions for organizing events, with Goa being a preferred wedding destination. The Board also resolved to hold global campaigns to counter the misinformation, spread through social media, with regards to Goa and tourism sector.
The meeting, held after two years, saw stakeholders like Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) proposing introducing a tech savvy platform for taxi operations. TTAG also raised concern with regards to garbage and poor quality roads.
In a press statement issued, the Chief Minister said that in order to enhance the transport services, the Board proposed regulated taxi fares at airports, railway stations and cruise terminals, along with user-friendly service and offering uniform pricing.
“Stricter regulations for rent-a-car services were also recommended,” Sawant said.
Sawant said that the single-window clearance system for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) and weddings was proposed to attract more events in the State.
Sawant said that the meeting focused on deliberating and deciding on important matters to bolster Goa’s tourism sector. Key deliberation took place on infrastructure development at cruise terminals, with plans to incorporate Wi-Fi, washrooms, pathways, lounges, hotels, waiting areas, faster security checks and establishing Goa as a home port for cruise liners.
Initiatives to promote cultural tourism, such as the Ekadasha Teerth Circuit, global campaigns to counter misinformation, familiarization (FAM) tours and target foreign media marketing campaigns, were discussed, he said.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of maintaining cleanliness at beaches and tourist spots, enhancing beach safety protocols and addressing illegal constructions at key tourist locations.
“The State government and Tourism Board remain committed to receiving feedback and adopting forward looking policies to strengthen and expand the scope of tourism, ensuring Goa continues to shine as a world-class destination,” CM said.
Earlier speaking to media, TTAG President Jack Sukhija said that the single-window clearance system was a must as at present the organizers have to take permissions from various departments and it takes almost 40 days to comply with everything. “It is very important that we simplify the procedure,” he said.
He said that TTAG raised issues affecting Goa like garbage all along the roads and beaches, poor condition of the roads along the tourism hotspot and technology in the taxi operation like introducing app facility by our own taxi operators.
