PANAJI: Stating that Goa was by far the safest tourist destination in the world, the outgoing president of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa, Mr Ralph de Souza, has said that given the threat perception by the terrorists, the tourism industry has decided to join hands with the government to make Goa more safe for the tourists and turn them into goodwill ambassadors of the state.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday afternoon, Mr de Souza said that to achieve its goal of turning Goa into much safer tourist destination, the industry has donated 14 Tata Sumo four wheelers and seven Splendor two wheelers for the benefit of Tourist Security Force for regular patrolling and provide security to the tourists all over the state.
He said that the Tourist Security Force would be made functional soon and would be able to generate confidence among the travellers, adding that the industry and the government wanted to enhance the state’s image as safe tourist destination.
He went on to add that various other services like EMRI ambulances, life saving services provided by Drishti, etc were an attempt to provide better services to the tourists. The president elect of the TTAG, Mr Gaurish Dhond said that industry has taken various steps to enhance security in hotels, resorts, etc and various electronic equipments, like CCTV, etc have been installed to keep an eye on miscreants.
He also said that industry staff has been sensitized at regular intervals and some five star hotels would soon install luggage scanners in their premises.
Mr Ernest Dias, vice-president of TTAG, who was also present on the occasion, said that there was a big fall in the arrival of tourists from western Europe but the fall somehow made up by the increased inflow of tourists from Russia and eastern European nations, including Poland.
Former TTAG president, Mr Charles Bonifacio said that travel advisories against travel to Goa and India during the beginning of the just ended tourist season and also around the end of the season affected the flow of tourists to the state. It was also informed that attractive packages offered by Goa’s competitors also hit the tourism sector.
Mr de Souza said that the industry has requested the government to bring value added tax on food and beverages services and also withdraw the additional 5 per cent cess on room tariff as it was adversely affecting the industry and the tourists.
He also said that many states in the country have already withdrawn the VAT or reduced it drastically to help the tourism industry in difficult times.
He further said that the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, has agreed to look into the matter.