Goa tourism to have brand consultant soon, says minister

Panaji: Goa tourism minister Dilip Parulekar on Monday told the Legislative Assembly that the state government will appoint a brand consultant within one month to decide future of the tourism industry.

The process to appoint a brand consultant has been going on and 4-5 companies are already shortlisted for the tender, Parulekar told the House.

“Within one month, brand consultant would be appointed,” he assured.

The minister was responding to various questions raised by BJP legislator Kiran Kandolkar, who demanded development of historic Halarn fort for tourism purpose.

He demanded that Mauli spring in Pernem taluka be also developed.

A similar demand was raised by Leader of Opposition Pratapsingh Rane, who said that Nanu fort and rock carving at Mauxem in his constituency be preserved and promoted among tourists.

Parulekar said the state government will be promoting the hinterland tourist attractions to divert the attention from beaches.

“The brand consultant will conduct the study of such projects,” he added.

The minister said he has personally witnessed how Salmona spring, a water body with medicinal value, has been dying a slow death due to dumping of garbage upstream, on the hillock.

Goa’s unique festivals like Shigmo and Carnival would also be projected in the tourism itinerary in a big way which have a capacity to draw tourists, he added.

PTI