Latest news with #GoaTourismDevelopmentCorporation
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
In Goa, app-based taxis might finally make an entry — and local cabbies aren't happy
Days after Goa government published draft guidelines to regulate app-based transport aggregators, taxi unions across the state have threatened to stage protests saying the move will pave the way for entry of private app-based taxi aggregators into the coastal state and threaten their livelihood. The draft guidelines 'Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines, 2025' outline a regulatory framework for app-based taxi and bike taxi operators — including licencing fee, tariffs and incentives. For years, tourists visiting the state have complained that the privately-owned tourist taxis in Goa charge 'extortionate' and 'arbitrary' rates and fleece them. According to the government, the draft guidelines published in the Official Gazette on May 20 will be taken into consideration on the expiry of 30 days from the date of publication in the Gazette. Any objection to the guidelines may be sent to the transport department during the interim period. The guidelines state that an aggregator should on-board only drivers with a valid PSV (private service vehicle) badge and that they 'shall not prevent or disincentivise the driver to on-board with multiple aggregators'. Additionally, an aggregator must ensure a health insurance for at least Rs 10 lakh with financial year 2025-26 as base year and an increment of 5 percent each year. For female drivers, the health insurance shall extend to their parents and children. Crucially, the guidelines state that the aggregator shall 'guarantee that the owner receives at least the fare as prescribed by the government for every journey completed by the passenger'. 'The aggregator shall not make any deductions whatsoever from the fare receivable by the owner… The aggregator shall ensure that all the payments to the owner are settled within 72 hours from the completion of the journey,' it adds. The draft guidelines also list some incentives for aggregators from the government, including a 100 percent waiver of renewal fee if 20 percent of the fleet is driven by female drivers at the time of renewal and a full reimbursement of annual insurance premium paid or Rs 30,000 to the owner of a female driven vehicle that complete 500 trips on apps in a year. Unlicenced operations or violation of licence conditions shall result in a penalty of Rs 50 lakh and blacklisting of the person or aggregator. A violation of fare regulations may result in a penalty of Rs 5 lakh for each instance. According to tourists, the entry of app-based taxi aggregators would bring in competitive pricing, ensure considerably lower fares and help in regulating the taxi market, which is controlled by 'powerful' taxi unions. The local taxi unions have, however, opposed any such moves, saying the private app-based taxi operators would open the floodgates for 'outsiders' from neighbouring states to come, resulting in job losses for local Goan drivers and taxi owners. In 2018, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation launched a state government-backed app-based taxi service – GoaMiles – which was the state's first app-based service. A government official, requesting anonymity, said the draft guidelines will be refined 'based on the suggestions that are received'. 'The guidelines are aimed at facilitating app-based convenience for locals and tourists, improving mobility and access to reliable taxi services and at the same time protecting the interests of local drivers,' he said. But taxi unions have objected to it saying the private app-based taxi aggregators are more suited for metropolitan cities where the volume of traffic is high and proper infrastructure is available to integrate services. 'Goa has a small population and vehicle ownership per capita is high. Our jobs are dependent on tourists, especially in the coastal beach belt. For an app-based service, there will be no demand in the mining belt or hinterland areas. These app-based aggregators will flood the market with a large fleet and onboard drivers from other states and drive us out. The traditional businesses, whether shacks or taxis, must stay in the hands of locals,' Yogesh Govekar, a driver and a member of an umbrella union, the All Goa Tourist Taxi Owners Association, told The Indian Express. 'We will not allow these aggregators to come in. We will come out on the streets and protest. It is a question of our identity and livelihood,' he said. Sunil Naik, President of the North and South Goa Taxi Owners Association, told the media: 'These guidelines are not acceptable to us. They are not properly defined and create a perception that people from across the country will come here and start operating taxis. We are self-made people who have grown up and built our businesses. We are not going to give that all up and start working for a corporation'. A spokesperson for Uber said: 'We believe tourists as much as locals in Goa deserve more mobility choices, and there is already strong existing demand for reliable ride options in the state. This regulatory update makes it possible for platforms like Uber to serve that demand more effectively and responsibly. As we review the draft guidelines in detail, we will submit our formal comments and continue collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure the final framework delivers long-term value for riders, drivers, and Goa's tourism-led economy'.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
GTDC plans to redevelop Vasco Residency via PPP model
Panaji: In a fresh push to monetise its properties, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) initiated steps to hand over the Vasco Residency to a private entity for hotel redevelopment through the public-private partnership (PPP) model. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This follows its recent offer of a 22,529sqm plot at Britona to private developers with a 100% floor area ratio (FAR) for a 60-year lease. A similar PPP plan is also under way for its Miramar property. Spread over a 3,158sqm plot in the heart of Vasco, Vasco Residency is a ground plus five-storey structure with 63 rooms and a restaurant. GTDC maintains and operates the facility, which is among its key city-based tourism assets with a built-up area of 5,558.5sqm. Under the proposed PPP model, the selected private concessionaire will have to demolish the existing structure and build a new 3-star or higher category city hotel with at least 30 rooms. The project will follow the design, build, finance, operate, and transfer model. The site, which falls under the C1 commercial zone as per the Regional Plan 2021, allows development up to 200% FAR, 24m maximum height (including stilts), and 40% ground coverage. GTDC has allowed the concessionaire flexibility to develop additional commercial components on-site, such as a multiplex or theatre, adding a cultural or entertainment layer to the facility. If awarded, the project agreement will initially run for 30 years, with an option to renew for another 30 years, subject to terms and conditions. The GTDC's shift to the PPP model aims to revive its ageing infrastructure using private capital and expertise. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, privatising long-standing public assets like Vasco Residency — located in a high-traffic urban node — may invite scrutiny over public interest, long-term control, and commercial use of public land. GTDC decided to outsource properties like Miramar Residency, Old Goa Residency, Britona Residency, and Anjuna Residency over a decade ago under the PPP model. Still, the results did not yield the desired outcome for govt. The Miramar Residency, which spans 20,000sqm, features 60 rooms. In its place, GTDC wants to build a resort with 587 rooms, a restaurant, a spa, and a pool.
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
GTDC seeks private investment for Britona Hotel project
Panaji : The Goa Tourism Development Corporation ( GTDC ) has decided to make a fresh attempt to outsource its property at Britona to a private player to develop a 3-star or higher city hotel to generate revenue. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It offers 22,529sqm of land with a 100% floor area ratio (FAR) for up to 60 years to monetise the dilapidated structure and unused plot in Penha De Franca. GTDC's public-private partnership (PPP) plan requires an investor to redevelop, operate, and maintain the Britona land by building a hotel with a minimum of 15 rooms and a multi-cuisine restaurant for tourists. This is the tourism body's second attempt to bring in a private player to operate a hotel at Britona. A concession agreement inked in 2016 failed due to approval delays, property ownership issues, and a delay in finalising the coastal zone management plan. GTDC officials are hopeful this time as the initial 30-year lease may be extended by another 30 years based on govt's approval. The 22,529sqm plot has a 1,984sqm structure where construction up to 15-metre height is permitted. GTDC will offer the Britona property via open bidding to the highest revenue-sharing bidder. GTDC, which manages several hotels in Goa, decided to outsource properties like Miramar Residency, Old Goa Residency, Britona Residency, and Anjuna Residency over a decade ago under the PPP model . However, these attempts did not yield the desired outcome for govt. In 2016, lease agreements were signed for four major properties for building starred hotels, but these projects were delayed due to pending statutory approvals. The concessionaire must ensure 80% of hotel staff are of Goan origin, a GTDC official said.
Zawya
09-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
India's Goa Tourism targets Oman market with roadshow
Muscat – India's popular tourist destination Goa – on the coast of the Arabian Sea – held a promotional roadshow in Muscat on Monday, aiming to attract tourists from Oman and strengthen its presence in the Middle East market. The Goa Tourism event brought together travel professionals, tour operators, media, and potential investors to explore Goa's expanding tourism offerings. It was attended by Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation, along with representatives of Oman's travel and hospitality sector. The delegation from the western Indian state also included members of the Travel Trade Association of Goa, led by its president Jack Sukhija, and featured charter operators, hoteliers, and travel agents. Rohan A Khaunte, Goa's Minister for Tourism, said the state is developing a broader tourism identity. According to him, Goa is evolving beyond its beaches to offer a diverse and enriching tourism experience – from the serene charm of our hinterlands and spiritual circuits to world-class infrastructure for MICE tourism. 'Through this roadshow in Oman, we aim to strengthen ties with the Middle East market, inviting travellers and businesses alike to discover Goa's vibrant culture, natural beauty, and growing potential as a holistic tourism destination.' Kedar Naik, Director of Goa Tourism, said international outreach efforts such as the roadshow are part of a long-term strategy to position Goa as a global tourism hub. 'Goa has always been a melting pot of cultures, offering visitors a blend of rich heritage, serene landscapes, and immersive experiences. Through strategic international engagements, we aim to strengthen tourism partnerships, enhance connectivity, and showcase our commitment to regenerative and sustainable tourism.' Arolkar said the Muscat event underscored Goa's ambitions to become a world-class tourism destination. He acknowledged that Oman is an important market for Goa, and 'we are committed to strengthening tourism collaboration between our regions.' The event also highlighted new tourism strategies, including regenerative tourism, eco-tourism circuits, and niche segments such as wellness, adventure, and cultural heritage tourism. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Muscat Daily
08-04-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Goa Tourism targets Oman market with roadshow
Muscat – India's popular tourist destination Goa – on the coast of the Arabian Sea – held a promotional roadshow in Muscat on Monday, aiming to attract tourists from Oman and strengthen its presence in the Middle East market. The Goa Tourism event brought together travel professionals, tour operators, media, and potential investors to explore Goa's expanding tourism offerings. It was attended by Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation, along with representatives of Oman's travel and hospitality sector. The delegation from the western Indian state also included members of the Travel Trade Association of Goa, led by its president Jack Sukhija, and featured charter operators, hoteliers, and travel agents. Rohan A Khaunte, Goa's Minister for Tourism, said the state is developing a broader tourism identity. According to him, Goa is evolving beyond its beaches to offer a diverse and enriching tourism experience – from the serene charm of our hinterlands and spiritual circuits to world-class infrastructure for MICE tourism. 'Through this roadshow in Oman, we aim to strengthen ties with the Middle East market, inviting travellers and businesses alike to discover Goa's vibrant culture, natural beauty, and growing potential as a holistic tourism destination.' Kedar Naik, Director of Goa Tourism, said international outreach efforts such as the roadshow are part of a long-term strategy to position Goa as a global tourism hub. 'Goa has always been a melting pot of cultures, offering visitors a blend of rich heritage, serene landscapes, and immersive experiences. Through strategic international engagements, we aim to strengthen tourism partnerships, enhance connectivity, and showcase our commitment to regenerative and sustainable tourism.' Arolkar said the Muscat event underscored Goa's ambitions to become a world-class tourism destination. He acknowledged that Oman is an important market for Goa, and 'we are committed to strengthening tourism collaboration between our regions.' The event also highlighted new tourism strategies, including regenerative tourism, eco-tourism circuits, and niche segments such as wellness, adventure, and cultural heritage tourism.
