Panaji: Goa Tourism will form a board comprising of its stakeholders as a part of the policy which was approved by state cabinet on Wednesday.
Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar said that Pramod Sawant-led cabinet has approved the Tourism Policy, 2020 which will give a “proper direction to the industry.”
He said that the tourism policy aims to promote beauty and nature of Goa, including that of hinterland, taking away the exclusive focus from the beaches.
“The state is known for its heritage and natural beauty. Our focus would be to concentrate on these aspects (heritage and natural beauty) to attract more tourists,” he said.
The minister said that the policy would be adopted into a law during the State Legislative Assembly session.
Ajgaonkar said that the policy speaks about inviting attractive tourists to the state. “We want good tourists to arrive here. We should not be looked upon as a drug destination. Our attempt is to make Goa drug-free state,” he said.
The minister also added that the tourists who arrive in groups and cook in the open spaces would be penalized under the new tourism policy.
Ajgaonkar said that the policy also envisages formation of Goa Tourism Board with the inclusion of stakeholders from the industry which will chart out short and long term goals for the tourism in the state.
