Govt should invest in infrastructure to sustain tourism industry: Chankya

NT NETWORK
Posted on 2008-11-06
MARGAO- The assistant general director of Pegas Touristik, Mr Abdulla Chankya said that the Goa government should invest in developing the infrastructure if it has to sustain its tourism industry.
He said that the infrastructure at the airport is not sufficient as the airport terminal is small, similarly the facilities inside the airport are not sufficient to meet demands of the tourism industry.
Mr Chankya further said that the scenario outside the airport is not too appealing and creates a wrong impression in the minds of the tourists.
Further, he pointed out that the beaches in Goa are very beautiful, but full of garbage, which is a big turn-off for the tourists.
He said if due attention is not paid than in the long run Goa will loose out as the tourists have plenty of options.
Mr Chankya said that the Pegas took the risk of rains and started the charter flights one month early and expects that the season to continue till the end of April to mid-May adding that the airlines fly 6 aircraft every 10 days.
He further informed that the number of Russian tourists have gone up by around 30 per cent over the last year and added that four years back when the first charter flight came from Russia, only 900 tourists had visited, which now has risen sharply to 10000 by the end of this season.
He said that the airlines, besides Moscow has also started operations from 6 cities including Ekatarinburg, Ufa, Samara, St Petersburg, Rustov, etc adding that Goa is the first image destination, however the presence of Russian tourists is small as compared to the tourists from other places.
Mr Chankya said that even though there has been a global recession, Russia has not faced much of the brunt adding that at the same time there are concerns on what the future will hold.
He also said that the Scarlette Keeling murder case and also the murder of the Australian tourist have had no bearing on the number of Russian tourists.
He said that Goa is facing tough challenge from other winter destinations like Egypt, Thailand etc and noted that these places have an advantage because of the liberal visa policy.
He further said that to get a visa to visit Goa takes around 3-4 working days, while these places provide visas on arrival.
Mr Chankya said if the government considers liberalising the visa policy, Goa can attract many more tourists not only from Russia but all over the world.
"Marketing Goa is not difficult in Russia as Russian and Indians have strong cultural ties dating several decades. The people in Russia love the Indian art and culture, while Bollywood movies are also very popular back home," he observed and added that the people of Goa are very hospitable and loving.
Further he pointed out that more hotels are required in the state as there are very limited number of starred hotels and added that there is an urgent need to regulate the 3 star hotels so as to get them to standard.
The chief operating officer, Kuoni Destination Management – India, Mr Dipak Deva, and vice-president, SITA, Mr Ernest Dias said that they are considering extending services to Kerala, however he ruled out it having any bearing on the number of tourists in Goa as Kerala is not a
beach destination.