With a view to expanding its presence on the global tourism map, the Goa government intends to set-up several cruise terminals across the state.According to highly placed sources in the secretariat, the state government has issued global expression of interest for setting-up cruise terminals in Goa. "The government intends to invite open bids from potential investors only after finalising specific sites," said a senior official.The official also said that the government is examining various financial options for such ventures, including joint venture (JV) and build, operate and transfer (BOT). "Setting up cruise terminals will bring in construction activities for the extension of existing jetties, construction of breakwaters, mooring dolphins, marina, waters sports etc," the official said.The ports department has made it clear that the government would consider the construction of cruise terminals only after the environment impact assessment (EIA) study is done through the Goa-based National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) or the Pune-based Central Water Power and Research Station (CWPRS).But if any interested party wishes to identify a potential site for such a cruise terminal and for that purpose, wishes to do its technical study for the purpose of establishing site conditions, it will be free to do so at its own risk and cost, sources said.No preferential rights over the identified and proposed cruise terminal sites would be created in favour of any party.The cruise terminal would work in the regulatory framework as per policy guidelines of the government.
