TBM Staff - Mumbai
Goa’s tourism sector has embraced the Union Budget, asserting that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has recognized tourism as a primary growth engine of the economy. In response to the budget on Thursday, Nilesh Shah, Chief of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa, stated to reporters in Panaji that the government has acknowledged the pivotal role of tourism, contributing to the circular economy and serving as a key driver of economic growth.
“The government’s focus on railway safety and the upgrade of bogies is expected to positively impact tourism,” stated Nilesh Shah, Chief of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa, in response to the Union Budget. He highlighted the government’s discussions on enhancing port and rail connectivity to islands such as Lakshadweep.
Shah emphasized that the central government is offering soft loans for 50 years, providing state governments, including Goa, with financial support to complete tourism-related projects. He noted the budget’s mention of initiatives like MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and spiritual tourism, considering them beneficial for a state like Goa.
Addressing the need for realization of projects like convention centers, Shah expressed optimism that with the financial aid, the Goa government can secure loans and successfully complete such projects, fostering growth in the tourism sector.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the budget, her sixth consecutive one, ahead of the parliamentary elections. This pre-election budget, technically a vote on account, addresses essential expenditures for the first four months of the new fiscal year beginning in April. A new government, post-Lok Sabha elections, will subsequently present the full budget, likely in July.
Source: PTI
