Goa to step up security with helpline number

Goa is now looking at newer avenues to further strengthen its position as the favourite travel destination of India. Goan tourism, which had seen a dip in tourists footfalls post rising incidents of crime against tourists, is now coming up with a helpline number on the lines of the '108 helpline number'.

The ministry of tourism, Goa, is now looking at PPP (public private partnerships) model to initiate this helpline and will also be forming a 500-member strong tourist security task force. These initiatives were discussed at Goan Tourism Ministry's annual road show held in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.

As per the data available with the department of tourism, government of Goa, the total tourists arrivals in the state stood at 25,03,703 in 2009, while its projection for 2010 is pegged at 10,13,195.

In a bid to restore its tourist-friendly image, the state government seems to be taking several steps to improve the infrastructure and security in Goa. Speaking on the occasion Swapnil Naik, director, dept of tourism, Goa said, "The 500-member strong tourist security force will report to the tourism ministry exclusively and is being constituted to aid the tourists visiting the state. While hiring for the force is on, we are also keen for PPP model to initiate the tourist helpline number on lines of '108 helpline number ' dedicated to tourists.

Among other steps to bolster tourism the ministry has also opened tenders for agencies to set up temporary eco-friendly tourist assistance booths at 14 of its prominent beaches. Much support to buoy the tourism in the state has also come from the industry itself as many private players have also contributed about 15 four wheelers, 7 two wheelers and firearms to aid this tourist security force"

The ministry is also keen to promote Goa as a prime destination for other niche tourism segments like adventure tourism, eco-tourism, backwater and heritage tourism. Naik further added, "We plan to develop more jetties along the backwaters so that tourism can thrive along the waterways as well. Work has already started on the same and the jetties will be ready in one and half years. Also we are open to developing gold properties across the state and are inviting tenders by private players to develop the same." Gujarat accounts for nearly 18 percent of the domestic tourists visiting Goa.