PANAJI: As the heritage hotels are now coming up in Goa, the need for a Heritage Tourism Policy is being felt. To deliberate on this and other such issues, the Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) held their executive committee meeting at the Welcome Heritage Panjim Inn, Panaji, on Sunday.

It was attended by the director of GTDC, Mr Nikhil Desai. Mr Gaj Singh II, president of IHHA in a press briefing on Monday, mentioned that the aim of this meeting was to lobby with state and central government.

"There are various heritage properties in Goa in small towns. But, they need attention and care. They are not just properties of those owners but also of the country," Mr Singh added.

The meeting also discussed the issue of multiple ownership in Goa. A memorandum was sent to the Chief Minister and Secretary (Tourism) to bring out a Heritage Tourism Policy that could look into this matter and also taxation, etc.

Mr Singh also stated that developing these hotels will also help to promote the local art and crafts.

He confirmed that Goa has a great potential to develop these hotels. It can generate substantial economic activity and employment particularly in lesser developed rural areas, where many of these properties are located, he said.

Speaking further, he mentioned that there are around 76 properties in India that are being classified as heritage hotels by the tourism department. The leading state is Rajasthan with more than 50 such properties that include forts, homes etc. In Goa there are only 2 hotels which are classified, Siolim House and Panjim Inn.

Mr Singh informed that these hotels are no more categorised as star hotels. But the government of India recognised Heritage Hotels, as a separate category in January 1991 and categorised them as ‘Heritage’ ‘Heritage Classic’ and ‘Heritage Grand.’

He also remarked that these hotels are affordable and are emerging as a preferred choice for domestic tourists. "First the ratio was 80:20 (80 foreign, 20 domestic) but now it is 60:40."

Elaborating on the Goa scenario, Mr Ajit Sukhija of Panjim Inn Hotel said that they have demanded for cash benefits from the state government, but it has not being implemented.

"For the past two years, we are asking for the 25 per cent subsidy for renovation. But it is in the state of limbo. Also we have made a proposal for TDR (Transfer of Development Rights)," Mr Sukhija pointed out adding that under TDR all the money will not go the owner as there are possibilities of not utilising this money properly.

"Thus, we are suggesting some responsible society which can keep some share of the money. However we need to work it out in detail yet," he remarked.

He suggested that the state government should encourage heritage hotel stays instead of star hotels.

"This will give better essence of culture, tradition and cuisine of Goa and will generate income as subsidy is a temporary solution."

Mr Rakesh Mathur, president, Welcome Heritage Group was also present for the briefing.