Goa extends skill development support to the youth

Goa Tourism is on a fast track towards scaling up skill development in the tourism sector to young local Goans seeking avenues in tourism through self-employment opportunities. Sharing insights into how the state is catering to the industry requirements in terms of resources and skills development, Menino D’Souza, Director of Tourism, Govt of Goa said, “We are extremely keen on encouraging more youth to venture into tourism and providing them with all the necessary training, education and knowledge on latest developments in the tourism sector.”
To begin with, Goa’s Institute of Hotel Management, Porvorim offers the best of education to those aspiring to enter the hospitality sector. Both degree and diploma courses, short term courses and trainings are conducted all year round. Around 500 to 600 students are availing education and training through IHM. Similarly, several professional colleges in the state are also offering courses in hospitality and food production, catering and restaurant management. Considering the increase in demand for hotel management, the Goa government is also in the process of setting up a state-of-the-art Hotel Management Institute in Goa.
Following a slow-down in the mining sector, today Goa’s economy is surviving on tourism and the state government through the Department of Tourism and  Goa Tourism Development  Corporation is opening new doors and opportunities. More than one-third of Goa’s population is now engaged in tourism, both directly and indirectly.