PANAJI: The state government has a proposal to start hop-on hop-off bus service in both the districts of the state for the benefit of lakhs of tourists visiting the state to enable them to visit the places of tourist interests.
The tourism secretary, Dr M Modassir told The Navhind Times that the government would soon invite expression of interest from registered tour operators, bus owners and others for operation of the service that is operational in many parts of the advanced countries.

Many a western cities have bus service for the benefit of the tourist visiting them wherein the tourist could buy one single ticket and travel  various points getting down at one spot and then catching the other bus to reach second destination and so on and so forth.
The tourism secretary said that while one circuit would be between Panaji-Old Goa-Ponda, and the beach destinations of Miramar-Candolim-Calangute-Baga, etc in North Goa. Similarly in South Goa the circuit could be Margao-Chandor-Botanical Garden (Sanguem) and beach destinations of Cavelossim-Colva-Benaulim, etc.
Dr Modassir further said that such a service, once started, could provide employment to a substantial number of Goans as guides. He also said that tourists would have freedom to move between various destinations and need not wait for the passenger buses to reach the places of their interests.
He further said that funds to the tune of Rs 74 crore, made available by the government of India, would be used for development of hinterland tourism through waterways, in a bid to increase tourist potential.
Besides, the beaches would now be cleaned mechanically, he said, adding that the beach safety management system would be extended to all the beaches along the state’s coast by the month of May 2010.
Meanwhile, the tourism director, Mr Swapnil Naik has said the tourism department would tie up with the Karnataka tourism department for starting short tours to Hampi-Badami-Bijapur as part of promotion of cultural-heritage and religious tour service, wherein tourists coming to Goa could visit the neighbouring state and visit the places of cultural and heritage importance.
In another development the government has accorded approval for setting up tourist security force. Accordingly, the tourism department would employ ex-service personnel registered with Rajya Sainik Board on contract basis as tourist wardens along the places of tourist interest to provide assistance to tourists and also security in case of emergencies.
Besides, the water sports activities would be regulated from this tourist season with the implementation of queue system.