May 9, 2015 …. The Chief Minister Shri Laxmikant Parsekar has said that the Government has initiated various steps to explore avenues other than mining to strengthen economy of the state. Tourism he said is the major industry which is largely contributing to the economy of the state and therefore there is need to boost and upgrade the industry and related infrastructure to attract tourist visiting Goa.
Shri Parsekar was speaking after inaugurating newly constructed building “Paryatan Bhavan” for Directorate of Tourism at a function held at Patto Panaji today. The five storeyed building is constructed an cost of Rs. 26 crores.
Shri Parsekar speaking further keeping in view the up-gradation of tourism industry the Government has launched amphibian vehicle and hot ballon as tourist attraction and the government is striving to upgrade Goa tourism on par with international standards.
Minister for Tourism, Shri Dilip Parulekar while addressing the function said that due to proper planning and efforts the growth of tourism increased from 4% to 12% and Government is further aiming to increase it to 15% in future. The Government he said has undertaken various steps to provide conducive atmosphere for tourist in the state. Strengthening of infrastructure for beaches in coastal areas will help to attract more and more tourists in the state. The Government is planning to develop infrastructure to the international standard and the newly introduced facility of hot air balloon, amphibian bus and seaplane, and helicopter would be incorporated in future he added.
MLA and Chairman of GTDC Shri Nilesh Cabral speaking at the function also spoke.
MLA and Chairman EDC Shri Siddharth Cuncolienkar, Mayor CCP Shri Shubham Chodankar, Commissioner NRI Affairs , Dr. Wilfred Mesquita, Chief Secretary Shri R.K. Srivastav EE WRD , Shri Pramod Badami, President TTAG Shri Francisco Braganza,Secretary Tourism, Consultant of the Project Shri Ravishankar, Shri Gurudas Shirodkar and Shri Jayant Jadhav both Members of Board of Directors GTDC and others attended the function.
Shri Deepak Narvekar PRO GTDC welcomed the guests and compered the function.
