Goa to appoint consultants to chalk out vision for tourism

The Goa government has decided to review all tourism projects in the state by consultants and set a target for the industry with a vision for the year 2063.
State Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar told the state assembly today that the review would be part of the tourism masterplan and tourism policy for the state, which would be drafted by consultants.
Parulekar said 15 consultancy firms have applied for the tender for preparing the tourism master plan and tourism policy.
Consultants will have to outline key priorities for Goan tourism industry for the next 30 years, set out as short- term, medium and long-term priorities as well as identify and map an inventory of all existing tourism and recreation assets.

"They will be asked to review the tourism projects initiated by government and various private agencies in the region, lessons learnt from these projects and products," the minister said in a written reply.
Consultants will be asked to review the existing tourism infrastructure available at various tourist destinations, he said, adding various projects would also be enumerated within the sustainability paradigm to increase tourism.

Parulekar said consultants winning the tender would also have to study and forecast likely future patterns of tourism, themes and tourism market trends.
Consultants would have to project both foreign and domestic tourist arrivals for the coming 50 years, tourist expenditure, key requirements for tourists and the potential impact of tourism on the environment and socio-economic milieu, he said.

Consultant would also have to collect data on tourist opinions and expenditures, including in-depth understanding about why tourists visit Goa's different destinations and what types of attractions would draw their interest.