Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant launching the scheme.
Panaji: The Government of Goa started ‘Homestay and Bed and Breakfast Scheme’ on Thursday, which aims to promote rural and community tourism. The scheme was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant at the Secretariat in Porvorim. Under this scheme, financial assistance and assistance will be provided to the local people running homestay in rural areas. Chief Minister Sawant said, ‘This homestay scheme is to increase tourism of villages and wild areas. This is a big step especially to empower women. This will give them a chance to bring their business to the world. Also, access to wildlife sanctuaries and rural sites will be easier.
The dream of ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’ will be realized
Tourism Minister Rohan Khoute said that this scheme is part of Goa’s ‘Beyond Beach’ vision. He said, ‘Our focus is to strengthen women and promote community tourism. Most homestay women run. This scheme will improve their economic status and will increase their stake in tourism. He also stated that compromises have been made with platforms like AirbnB and training programs are going on, so that rural tourism gets further expansion.
What will be found in this scheme?
State Tourism Director Kedar Naik said that this scheme is a big step towards giving a new look to tourism and making women and youth entrepreneurs. He said, ‘This scheme is a strategic change towards implementing policies. It will provide economic and non-economic help. Registration of homestay will be easy, their quality will be classified and will also help in publicity from the State Tourism Department.
The homestay running in the ruling, sanga, dharbandora, bicholim, kanakon, ponda and cupem taluks will be given financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh at a time. Apart from this, there will also be a chance of concessional share in training, help in marketing and tourism fairs. This scheme will last for five years and it can also be extended if needed.
Who was present?
Many dignitaries including Bicholim MLA Chandrakant Shetaye, Mayame MLA Premendra Shet and Tourism Secretary Sanjeev Ahuja were present on the occasion. This scheme is a golden opportunity to take the tourism of Goa to new heights and brighten rural areas. This will not only benefit the local people, but the beauty of Goa will be introduced to the world in a new way.
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