Latest news with #GoaTourismDevelopmentCorporation
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Time of India
GTDC to appoint consultant to oversee tourism village development scheme
Panaji: After identifying five villages to be developed as tourism villages, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has now initiated the process to appoint a consultant to oversee how the five villages can be used to promote sustainable rural tourism. The Centre's tourism village development scheme aims to transform the select villages into model tourism destinations while providing economic opportunities to locals. The five villages that have been shortlisted are Cotigao, Bandora, Sal, Chandor and Chorao. The department expects to spend a total of Rs 2.5 crore to create tourism infrastructure, with each village expected to receive Rs 50 lakh under the scheme. In 2023, Cotigao was awarded the best tourism village of India, while in 2024, Bandora received the same award in the wellness category. Initially, Goltim-Navelim on Divar island, Chorao, Cotigao, Bandora, and Vere-Vaghurme were being considered to be developed as tourist villages. The consultant will be responsible for the project from its conceptual design to on-ground execution. The consultant will be tasked with preparing a detailed project report and then obtaining necessary approvals from govt and local bodies for the project. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn More - How Affiliate Marketing Can Boost Your Income smartdeal Learn More Undo The state's tourism department hopes to channel tourists away from the coastline and towards the untapped tourism potential of Goan villages. The department plans to set up kiosks for local artisans and farmers, upgrade market areas to meet tourism standards, build multi-utility halls for fairs and performances, bring in safety measures, and establish basic amenities such as tourist information counters with first aid facilities, seating areas, gazebos, and community waste bins. The GTDC wants the consultant to assess the village's tourism potential, outline infrastructure needs, provide site analysis, and assist with statutory approvals. Through this scheme, the tourism department wants to showcase Goa's rural heritage, diversify tourism-driven economic growth, and decongest the coastline. The move comes at a time when overcrowding at mainstream tourist hubs has raised concerns among locals and policymakers. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
27-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Govt owes tourism contractors over Rs 39.7cr with bills from 2019
Panaji : From housekeeping services and painting to legal fees and translations, the tourism department has racked up Rs 39.7 crore in unpaid bills. Contractors for events, vehicles and executed projects have been fretting with their money lying locked up with the tourism department as well as the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), with some of the bills dating all the way back to 2019. Among those that the department owes money are govt entities such as Goa Human Resource Development Corporation Limited and Goa Electronics Limited. The tourism department's 17 outstanding bills are largely for tourism roadshows and trade fairs, and most are for the current year with just two bills dating back to Dec 2024. However, GTDC's track record of clearing bills of contractors and event management firms is not on par. The Goa Human Resource Development Corporation Ltd provided security services at GTDC residencies for 2019-20 for which it billed GTDC Rs 1.03 crore, an amount that remains unpaid, shows data released in the state legislative assembly. Invoices towards the organisation of the Manohar Parrikar Vidnyan Mahostav in Dec 2021 worth Rs 3.7 lakh also remain unpaid. Taxi bills worth Rs 8.65 crore remain unpaid, shows the data released in the state legislative assembly. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Emergency Generators in Sevilla: (Prices May Surprise You) Emergency Generator | Search Ads Search Now Undo Information provided by the department also shows that Rs 4.4 crore has to be released to a private firm for development of amenities at the Bom Jesus Basilica under the PRASHAD Scheme. GTDC said that many of these bills are 'under consideration' and will be cleared once scrutiny and approval is obtained. Bills for the G20 meetings, which were held in Goa, also remain unpaid. Goa hosted several G20-related meetings during India's presidency in 2023, including the G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting and the Tourism Ministers' Meeting.
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Tourism dept spent Rs 25cr to lure domestic travellers to Goa
Porvorim: Goa's tourism department spent Rs 26.3 crore to promote Goa internationally through roadshows and international travel expos since 2022, tourism minister Rohan Khaunte told the legislative assembly on Thursday. The tourism department's data suggests that a nearly similar amount — Rs 24.9 crore — was spent to promote Goa in India itself during the same period. The department's expenditure on international roadshows and trade events jumped from Rs 1.3 crore in 2020 to Rs 10.9 crore in 2024, not including travel allowance and other expenses for the officials who attended the events. The visits were approved by chief minister Pramod Sawant, said Khaunte. Data shows that the department spent Rs 24.9 crore on 31 roadshows organised by it and Goa Tourism Development Corporation from March 2022. Between Jan and June, Goa recorded a total of 57.1 lakh tourist arrivals, with domestic tourists pegged at 34.6 lakh through Goa International Airport at Dabolim and 22.5 lakh through Manohar International Airport at Mopa. In contrast, international arrivals stood at 3.2 lakh. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn more about Sterilization Using Autoclave Technology contentcuehub Search Now Undo Khaunte said that the 'targeted international roadshows' aim to tap into emerging markets such as Poland, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, which previously had limited or no direct tourism linkage with the state. The minister said that international tourist arrivals and international flights increased because of the department's sustained global destination promotion. The opposition has repeatedly attacked the tourism department for wasteful expenditure on roadshows, both in domestic markets and at international travel marts. The tourism department has been visiting Germany, Spain, Dubai, Singapore, London, Austria, Japan, and Portugal to attract international tourists to Goa. Khaunte said that the state has asked govt to offer the visa-on-arrival facility to select countries.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Time of India
Footfall in rains: Govt starts white-water rafting at Valpoi
Panaji: Goa's rivers are in full spate as the tourism department announces the commencement of white-water rafting on the Mhadei River in Ustem village, approximately 11km from Valpoi. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The 10km route features grade II to III+ rapids, suitable for beginners. The initiation of white-water rafting is expected to boost monsoon tourist arrivals, officials said. Officials stated that two trips would be conducted each day. The rafting activity is organised through a partnership between Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) and Southern River Adventures and Sports Pvt Ltd. 'Every trip is conducted under the supervision of certified guides, with thorough safety briefings and complete gear, including life jackets, helmets, and paddles being checked by certified authorities,' a tourism department official said. The adventure sport is expected to attract nature and water sports enthusiasts to Goa's hinterlands, aligning with efforts to encourage tourists to explore Goa's forested valleys, rolling hills, and rain-soaked wilderness, officials added. 'With the expertise of John Pollard, who brings over 30 years of global rafting experience, we are proud to offer a safe experience to both national and international tourists. This initiative reflects our commitment to promoting eco-friendly exploration and establishing Goa as a diverse, year-round destination,' said tourism director Kedar Naik. The inflatable rafts accommodate eight to ten participants, and the full journey lasts approximately 90 minutes. White-water rafting typically occurs in Goa from June to October; however, this year the rafting season began a fortnight later. A tourism department official indicated that the water sport would operate under strict environmental protocols as part of Goa Tourism's flagship initiative 'Goa Beyond Beaches'. GTDC has also commenced organising monsoon treks, with a trek along the Charavane trail in Sattari scheduled for this Sunday. GTDC has arranged transport from various parts of Goa to ensure accessibility.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Loliem comunidade nods for projects spark debate
Margao: The approval for land allotment of a number of development projects by the Loliem-Polem comunidade last Sunday has sparked intense debate about the future of the ecologically-sensitive Loliem plateau in Canacona. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In the wake of the July 6 extraordinary general body meeting that greenlighted projects including a 100MW solar power plant by Concord Innovations requiring 15 lakh sqm, a sainik school by Vadenagar Shikshan Seva Mandal seeking 50,000sqm, and tourist amenities by Goa Tourism Development Corporation, residents and comunidade office-bearers present starkly contrasting visions for the development of the village. Om Prabhugaonkar, a Poinguinim-based architect, has emerged as a vocal critic of the 'hastily-granted' approvals. 'The comunidade is a custodian of land, not its owner,' he said, arguing that any development decisions should be backed by comprehensive research, data, and community participation. He expressed disapproval over the manner in which he was 'silenced' at the July 6 meeting by president Vishwajit Varik, who dismissed his concerns as 'criticism' driven by 'vested interest'. 'We need to say a big no to speculative and private projects which have money-making as the primary objective,' said Prabhugaonkar. He argued that raising ecological concerns shouldn't be branded as having 'vested interests', particularly when climate change concerns are real. On the other hand, Varik defended the approved projects as essential for the economic growth of the village. 'We're committed to striking a balance between development and preservation,' he said, pointing out that only 13% of comunidade land has been allocated for development projects while ensuring 'a significant portion is reserved for posterity and future generations'. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Varik's vision encompasses 'sustainable employment opportunities, agri-tourism initiatives, and skill development programs'. 'Entire paddy fields in Loliem village have not been cultivated for decades, there's no motivation for youth to start agriculture,' he said. 'We're excited about the potential of projects like the film city (10 lakh sqm) to create employment opportunities for local youth,' said Varik, positioning the comunidade as protecting land from encroachment while creating opportunities. The Loliem gram sabha has already passed resolutions to conserve the plateau, specifically to preserve water resources, cattle grazing lands, agriculture, forest produce, wildlife, and biodiversity.
