Goa's Tourism Policy 2020 to steer clear the state's reputation of a drugs' destination

On Wednesday, the Goa Government announced Tourism Policy 2020 and a Tourism Master Plan at a press conference. The Chief Minister of the state said that this approval was long awaited and the license fee for beach shacks has been reduced by 50%. The Tourism Minister also added that, under the tourism policy, a tourism board will be set up which would include experts from various fields.

Foreseeing 25 years of Tourism in Goa

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The policy talks about 25 years of tourism, inclusive of a new Tourism Board which would be the key pillar for all decisions to be undertaken towards the planning, development and marketing of Goa tourism. The officials mentioned that the board will come up with decisions in regards to the promotion of Goa as a tourist destination at an international level while preserving the culture of the state. They will be chalking out strategies for the promotion of the state, in such a fashion that its reputation as a drug destination is abolished completely.

The State Tourism Minister stated, "We want good tourists to arrive here. We should not be looked upon as a drug destination. Our attempt is to make Goa a drug-free state," he said. Under the new policy, tourists who arrive in groups and cook in the open spaces would be penalized." He further added that the required infrastructure would be developed on Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode to develop tourism in the state.

According to the government of Goa, it is mandatory for all hotels, travel agents, tour operators, tourist guides, tourist taxi operators and dealers of notified articles and other persons engaged in tourist activities to register themselves under the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act. Registration is to be annually renewed. Under the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, Dy. Director (North) & Dy. Director (South) are the prescribed authorities to issue the certificate of registration.