State Tourism Ministers Conference: Goa urges Union Tourism Ministry to ease out visa processes for tourists, GTDC to launch Tourism App for tourists, seeks central assistance to improve facilities for pilgrims visiting Old Goa

Goa Tourism, on Tuesday, requested the Union Ministry for Tourism for easing of e- tourist visa processes at the Goa International Airport, Dabolim, under the E- Tourist Visa Facility for foreign nationals opting for Goa as the Port of Arrival. Speaking at the National Conference for State Tourism Ministers held in the national capital today, Mr. Dayanand Sopte, Chairman of GTDC, who led the Goa delegation, also updated the Union Ministry regarding Goa’s plans for launching of a Goa Tourism App for tourists which will serve as a platform for information, grievance redressal, bookings etc.

During the day-long conference, the Goa Tourism delegation participated in various workshops, deliberations and presented reports on various aspects concerning tourism and infrastructure development in the State. Mr. Sopte also urged the Union Ministry for Tourism to sanction funds for development of Old Goa churches under PRASHAD SCEHME and requested Director General – ASI, Mrs. Usha Sharma to ensure that ASI grants timely permissions to all projects so that all facilities for pilgrims and tourists can be created through central assistance. Goa Tourism also briefed delegates about steps taken in the field of adventure tourism where Goa is emerging as a national leader. Thanks to a slew of initiatives launched by GTDC in the recent past such as White Water Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Scuba-diving, Electric bicycle tours, Motorized Paragliding etc. Earlier in the day, the Hon’ble Minister of State for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Prahlad Singh
Patel addressed the Conference. The Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India, Mr. Yogendra Tripathi also spoke. This was followed by the Sadhbhavana Diwas Pledge taken by all state dignitaries. A Hindi version of Incredible India website was launched by the Hon’ble Minister of State for

Tourism and Culture, Mr. Patel who thereafter handed over MoUs and LoIs signed under the Adopt a Heritage Program. A session showcasing the Incredible India tourist facilitator certification programme and best practices in tourism sector and social media campaigns
by two selected State governments were also organized at the Conference. Some of the other sessions at the conference today included topics on ‘Developing India as a tourist friendly destination, developing an all encompassing One Stop Solution including information on tourism related services through a web based application and a Grievance Redressal Mechansim through twitter and tourist helpline, sharing information on adventure and B&B/Home stay guidelines & development of tourism infrastructure under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes.’ Presentations were made on adventure tourism and Bed & Breakfast/Home stay scheme guidelines and on status of projects sanctioned under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes and implementation of Public Financial Management Systems (PFMS).