In an exclusive, Goa Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Nilesh Cabral shares with Chief of Bureau Anil Kumar Mishra the strategy to make the state a more attractive destination
Q. What are the measures you have taken and are planning for improving tourism infrastructure?
A. After I assumed charge, Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar and I took numerous steps. The focus is on hinterland tourism; white water rafting was begun, hiking in the rains is an available option, we are beautifying waterfalls and diverse facilities are in the pipeline. In the next one or two years, there will be many facilities that shall suit all kinds of travellers. Efforts have been made through the Ministry of Railways to start special services for the Dudhsagar Falls.
Q. A word vis-à-vis improving amenities?
A. Funds have been received from the Centre for providing toilet facilities on beaches. Two have been commissioned and the remainder ten are under tendering process. Our objective is to provide toilets, changing rooms and lockers at all beaches.
Q. What are the achievements of the G.T.D.C., which is a special purpose vehicle?
A. We are endeavouring to emphasise not only on infrastructure but also on new services. Some development could not be achieved owing to financial constraints but with revenue now coming from the state and central dispensations, we are executing projects. We have also attempted to outsource our prime hotels. Our linchpin is to generate awareness about Goa tourism across the globe.
Q. Expand on support from New Delhi and enterprises being accomplished with central assistance.
A. When I assumed the Chairman’s mantle in 2012, we strove to obtain considerable financial aid from the Centre. After the B.J.P.-led government took over the reins at the Centre, we completed some ventures utilising capital received from the state regime and submitted an utilisation certificate. Later, some schemes were pushed directly through G.T.D.C. and not the Department because if we had sought to go through the Department, the money would have gone to the common pool. Out of Rs. 100 crore, one fifth was received. We have envisaged two more programmes of Rs. 200 cr. and dispatched the proposal to New Delhi. This has been done through the Department.
Q. What were the initiatives to tackle tourist overload?
A. There are heritage houses next to roads. We are undertaking broadening of streets and laying out footpaths. However, unless related legislation comes in force, we cannot acquire more land.
Q. Furnish details of innovative steps taken in the past four years.
A. We introduced some avant-garde projects. For instance, the amphibious bus was launched commercially and that took three long years. A seaplane service was brought into being and a rope-way is under tendering process. There are a lot of groundbreaking ventures in mind but we want to take them up step by step.
Q. What is the occupancy rate in G.T.D.C. hotels?
A. On average, it has been 60-65 %. Hotels at major centres have occupancy of 90-95 % while at semi-prime centres it is 40-45 %. Recently the Panjim Residency was modernised. We do not approach the state dispensation for modification of our establishments. Instead, we generate funds for the purpose.
When the G.T.D.C. was formed there were no five-star hotels in the state. We fashioned infrastructure for hotels. Private entrepreneurs developed their own ones. The G.T.D.C.’s focus has shifted from providing accommodation to keeping people back in Goa by providing them a reason for longer stay. Presently tourists lodge for three-four days. We have taken multiple marketing initiatives. Earlier, our hotels used to be closed during monsoons but now we have domestic tourists during the rainy season as well.