Goa and Uttarakhand will become partners in the field of tourism, MoU signed for mutual cooperation in the presence of CM Dhami. Signed

The states of Uttarakhand and Goa will work together to promote mutual cooperation in various aspects of tourism. Efforts will also be made to increase the number of tourists on the basis of joint action plan through bilateral cooperation in the field of tourism of both the states and to improve travel facilities between the two states in the development of tourism facilities. In this regard, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte at Chief Minister’s residence on Tuesday evening. The MoU was signed by Sachin Kurve, Secretary Tourism, Government of Uttarakhand and Sunil Achipka, Tourism Director, Goa. Describing the occasion as historical, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that this initiative will inspire other states as well. Today, the first direct flight from Goa to Dehradun has been recorded in the pages of history. Citizens of both the states will also be able to take advantage of this direct flight service. Due to which tourism will be promoted in both the states.

He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had talked about developing tourism in mission mode, today’s MoU will be another step in this direction for both the states. This direct flight between Goa and Dehradun will encourage the people of both the states to travel, tourists will get the opportunity to see the Himalayas from the sea. He expressed confidence that after this MoU, both the states would get a boost of tourism and would help in getting acquainted with each other’s rich cultural heritage. He said that both Uttarakhand and Goa are tourism-oriented small states, both the states can take advantage of these opportunities by mutual coordination and can also solve the problems. More people will come in this year than last year, so far 15 lakh people have done Char Dham Yatra. The Chief Minister said that the entire Uttarakhand is a destination from the point of view of tourism. Along with tourism, there are many possibilities in adventure tourism and other tourism activities in the state. From the point of view of tourism, attention is also being paid towards developing various areas. The Chief Minister said that tourism being the strong base of the state’s economy, the entrepreneurs associated with the tourism sector are our brand ambassadors.

The Chief Minister said that air connectivity is being strengthened in the state with the help of the Central Government. Efforts are being made to connect remote areas with heli service and efforts are being made to make Pantnagar airport of international standard along with Jollygrant airport. Pithoragarh Airport will soon be operated by the Indian Air Force. Today the dream of rail in the mountain is being fulfilled. Due to the natural natural beauty of the state, there are immense possibilities of tourism, industry and trade. Tourism is the basis of our economy. The Chief Minister said that home stay is being further promoted in the state. Arrangements have been made to provide a home-like environment to the people. Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte also termed the MoU signed between Goa and Uttarakhand as historic and said that this will lead to unprecedented growth in the tourism sector of both the states. He said that different types of tourist places are being promoted continuously in Goa. Tourism is a major part of Goa’s GDP. More than 35% of jobs in Goa are generated from tourism. Tourism has been big in the past years, but after the Kovid period, there has been a change in the behavior of the tourists. He said that the Goa government is working on the vision of trade, technology and tourism. Our states can promote tourism in their respective regions with mutual coordination. Today Goa has moved beyond the concept of Sun, Sand and Sea. We are working on various sectors like Adventure tourism, Eco tourism, Spiritual tourism, Wellness tourism, Heritage tourism.

Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said that Uttarakhand and Goa governments together can do more work in the tourism sector. He said that all the states should work together under the vision and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and today’s program is the result of that. A large number of people will be benefited by running direct flights between Goa and Dehradun. He said that we have laid emphasis on promoting tourism by preserving the history. In order for both the states to move further in the field of tourism, special cooperation will be needed from the people associated with hotel business and other businessmen. Secretary Tourism Sachin Kurve and Director Tourism Goa Sunil Achipka gave information related to MoU and also informed about activities related to tourism. Under the MoU, focus on more than one direct flight connectivity facility from Goa to Uttarakhand for the convenience of tourists, cultural exchange programs, road shows, mutual festivals to acquaint tourists with the distinctive cultural heritage of Goa and Uttarakhand. Efforts will be made to create opportunities for organizing festivals, showcasing local cuisine, folk culture and handicrafts.

Both sides will work on exploration of joint packages for promotion of various tourism products keeping in view the convenience of tourists. Both the states will also share best practices in the field of tourism. In adventure tourism activities both the states major adventure activities like water sports, aero sports and land based activities which will be jointly developed and promoted. The focus will be on encouraging the participation of state private sector and youth to develop adventure tourism activities. Land based activities like paragliding, sky diving, hot air balloon, skiing, mountain biking, trekking/hiking, all terrain motor biking, budgies. Destinations like Tehri, Nainital, Bur Jal, Nanakmatta in Uttarakhand and other water body areas will be explored. These activities include aero sports powered hang gliders, water sports, parasailing, scuba diving, white water rafting, jet boats, jet boats, fly boarding, water sports in Goa, as well as being jointly developed and promoted for water sports. Attention will also be given.

In the field of eco-tourism, both the states have several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that can be promoted as ecotourism. Spiritual tourism Uttarakhand is home to many important Hindu pilgrimage sites such as the Char Dham Yatra that has many ancient villages and temples. Both the states may jointly work for a strategy to promote and develop spiritual and religious tourism which can be jointly promoted. In the field of wellness tourism, Uttarakhand has huge potential in the field of Ayurvedic and Yoga, while Goa has many spa and wellness resorts which can be jointly promoted.

Similarly, in the field of heritage tourism, both Uttarakhand and Goa have places associated with colonial history and rich cultural heritage, for which a joint promotional strategy can be worked out. Human resource development, both sides will work together and also partner towards ensuring exchange of knowledge and expertise in the field of tourism. Various tourism businessmen and entrepreneurs from Goa and Uttarakhand were present along with President Hotel Association Sunil Sahni on the occasion.