There is no doubting the role that tourism and hospitality play for the economy of Goa. Until the pandemic hit, this was also the only part of the country which was scaling record heights and enjoying a ‘season’ which stretched over several years. So, it goes without saying that the state government was itching to make sure that they would facilitate the tourism and hospitality sector to return to Goa as fast as possible, and Unlock 4.0 measures saw the government remove all travel restrictions and quarantine rules for travelers.
The new order issued by the state also allowed free travel to the state from within India, international passengers entering the state by air or by sea would still need to be tested.
The government also allowed bars to open along with spas and massage parlors. The activities which will continue to remain restricted for now, are river cruises, casinos, and swimming pools.
The decision to remove travel restrictions for domestic travelers including the decision to do away with the testing has been welcomed by the travel and tourism industry. The earlier system of 14-day quarantine for visitors as well as charging the visitors for Covid-19 testing at airports had drawn much flak from the tourism industry.
“It’s truly a positive development for tourism and the need of the hour,” said Nilesh Shah, President of Travel Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG). Citing the example of Rajasthan, Haryana, Shah said that destinations that have opened free travel had benefited from hotels getting good business during long weekends.
“We hope that more activities will be opened from October onwards,” he added. With the gradual opening of travel and tourism activities in the state, Shah hopes the industry will be able to recover some lost ground at least by the end of the financial year to minimize the losses.
News Courtesy: ET
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