Tag Archives: Goa

G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Tourism, on his recent visit to Goa, said that the MOT is working in synergy with the Rail Ministry, Civil Aviation and Shipping Ministry to encourage cruise tourism under Sagar Mala. “Cruise tourism will be developed on a mission mode which will greatly benefit Goa,” he said. He also informed that there are plans to connect Chennai, Vizag and Andaman with Goa through cruise tourism.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, Waterways and Tourism, Shripad Naik inaugurated a week-long campaign of India Tourism, Goa to promote the national festival of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ at Panaji. Venkatesan Dhattareyan; Regional Director, India Tourism and Manager Jitendra Jadahav were also present on this occasion. “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to celebrate the occasion of 75 years of Independence with grandeur and enthusiasm befitting the historic nature, glory and importance of the occasion. This Mahotsav of 75 years of Independence is dedicated to the people of India”. Said Naik.

Amit Shah, Union Minister of Home Affairs & Minister of Co-operation,  has said that Goa was the most preferred tourism destination in the world and hence PM Modi has taken a decision to allow charter airplanes to fly into Goa from October 15. Also, he added that Mopa airport should be ready in one year and will enhance tourism. “With Goa achieving 100 per cent vaccination, the situation is conducive for tourism,” he claimed.

The tourism department of Goa issued notice to several hotels against putting up in rented villas and bed and breakfast facilities that were not registered with the state tourism department. Goa Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar said that booking a non-registered hotel will soon be considered illegal and strict actions will be taken on bookings going ahead. Due to non-registration of such facilities, it was difficult to track the exact number of tourists who visit Goa every year, he added.

Sarovar Hotels have signed a new Golden Tulip hotel in Goa. It will be the group’s 4th hotel in Goa, which is nestled amidst the picturesque and peaceful green hills of Arpora. Golden Tulip, Arpora upon completion in 2023 will have 50 well-appointed rooms and suites encased beautifully by quaint architecture that reflects Goa’s history and culture. Golden Tulip, Arpora aims to promote tourism in the area and offer high- quality service and stay options. Anil Madhok, Executive Chairman, Sarovar Hotels and Resorts, said “We are delighted to expand and strengthen our Golden Tulip’s leisure portfolio in this market which is a very popular destination among Indian and international tourists. We believe the hotel’s location with Sarovar’s signature hospitality will deliver a notable experience to business and leisure guests alike.”

The high court of Bombay at Goa on Monday permitted the state government to allow the entry of fully-vaccinated persons in Goa without a COVID-19 negative test report. Partially vaccinated and non-vaccinated persons will still have to produce a negative Covid test report for entry. The expert committee has also unanimously agreed and decided to explore the possibility of issuing a universal pass which is linked to the Co-Win portal as adopted and issued by the government of Maharashtra.

Pramod Sawant, CM, Goa, has said that they have no plans to open the tourism sector in the state, and the state curfew has been extended for another week. He said, “We are seeing an average of one or two COVID deaths daily and the case positivity rate has been down around 2%.” While curfew restrictions are in force since May, the state has seen increased tourist arrivals. Sawant has requested people to take precautions.

Indian LCC SpiceJet has introduced daily non-stop flights from Rajkot to Goa and Hyderabad. Flights will depart Rajkot at 14:00 hrs for Goa and at 19:45 hrs for Hyderabad. The return flight from Goa will depart at 17:05 hrs and that from Hyderabad will depart at 06:05 hrs. The carrier has also added to its Rajkot-Mumbai frequency, departing at 07:30 hrs and 05:40 hrs, respectively.

First direct flight has been launched between Rajkot and Goa, which will be operated by SpiceJet. The daily flight will leave from Goa Airport at 2pm and will arrive at Rajkot Airport at 7:25pm. Jyotiraditya Scindia, Cabinet Minister, Civil Aviation, in a tweet called it a historic day for Saurashtra.

Pramod Sawant, CM, Goa, has informed the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) that the state’s hospitality sector would open fully only after the positivity rate drops below 5%. Tourism activities will not be reopened in Goa until everybody in the state gets at least one dose of the vaccine, he said. The CM added that the administration is aiming to achieve this goal by 31 July. “The government will permit full-fledged opening of the industry when the case positivity rate is below 5%.”