Goa tourism minister defends foreign trips

Goa Tourism Minister Nilkant Halankar has dismissed allegations by the opposition members that he was splurging on unnecessary foreign trips.

The minister told the State Legislative Assembly that tourism trips are essentially to attract more tourists to Goa.

?There is a saying in Marathi, which translates as ?if God is there, He will give you everything on a platter.? This has been the attitude of tourism department. However, I believe in the policy of experimenting,” he said.

“My aim is to get quality tourists to Goa and for that I am not going to sit idle and expect that tourism will keep on increasing with the help of God,? Halarnkar?s written speech tabled on the floor of the House read.

Controversy had dodged the state tourism ministry with charges of overspending on foreign trips at the cost of state?s exchequer, and the minister?s recent trip to the US with chief secretary and tourism director.

?The impression created that ministers and officials go to various countries for leisure and waste money on advertising, is false. But I am not distracted by such allegations,? he said.
The minister termed Goa?s participation in the International Travel Mart 2010 in London as ?shameful affair?, as financial crunches was clearly visible throughout the event.

?Goa had to take a stall within the India Tourism Pavilion because of the budgetary constraints. It was so shameful to see Goa in a poor condition on foreign land. Thereafter, I instructed Swapnil Naik (tourism director) that we will set up huge stalls in future,? the reply copy further read.

Halankar said that the ministry is charting out detailed plan for the next three years to attract domestic and overseas tourists.

?We will improve the existing infrastructure to offer quality service,? he said.