Reprimanded hotelier MLA for hiking room rates: Goa CM

Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on Monday said that he reprimanded a lawmaker who is also a hotelier, for hiking room rentals during the extended Independence Day weekend.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Independence Day celebrations in Panaji, Parsekar said the state was transforming from a winter holiday destination to one which tourists visit all year round.

"Goa and tourism are inseparable. I saw so many tourists in Panaji yesterday (Sunday). All businesses were flourishing. I have a legislator colleague who is also a hotelier. He told me that the long (Independence Day) weekend was good for business and that he has sold his room, which originally costs Rs 2,000, for Rs 15,000. I said you did not do the right thing," Parsekar told media persons.

"Tourists now come to Goa all year round. It is a healthy sign that the tourism season is not limited to October to January, but extends during the summer and rains too," Parsekar said.

Goa is one of the top beach and nightlife tourism destinations in the country and attracts four million tourists annually, half a million of which are foreigners.

--IANS

maya/ksk/vt