http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-industry-differ-on-what-makes-Goas-tourism-expensive/304153/
Govt, industry differ on what makes Goa's tourism expensive Agencies Posted online: Thursday , May 01, 2008 at 1533 hrs IST Panaji, May 1: The state tourism department, which admitted that Goa is fast becoming expensive as tourist destination for a common man, said that it for the related industries to cut their costs and solve the problem. "Goa will lose tourists as the state is becoming expensive tourism destination due to taxes laid on the industry," TTAG President Ralf D'Souza said. Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), a state-based body of tourism industry players, yesterday in a meeting lamented that the coastal state is becoming expensive and thus out of reach for many people. As a result, a major chunk of tourists is prferring other destinations, it said. "Everybody in the industry should think about this and find out a solution," Lyndon Monteiro, officer on special duty to Tourism Minister Fransisco Pacheco said. He said that the business should also introspect on why Goa is fast becoming exepnsive as a tourist destination. "For instance, airlines operators hike the rates during the season. Why should tourists pay such whopping amount to reach to Goa," Monteiro said. "If we are saying that Goa is becoming expensive, everybody is responsible for it. Hoteliers, airlines, business houses, everybody should chip in with their contribution to reduce prices," Monterio said reacting to TTAG's criticism that high taxation amounts to price hike. TTAG had said that the state government has not paid heed to their demand to reduce the taxes on tourism industry. Monteiro said that state government is doing its level best to make destination affordable. "We intend to make Goa affordable for all type of tourists. Even lower middle class families should be able to come here and enjoy their vacations," Monteiro said. He said that the tourism department has decided to initiate dialogue with the industry players to find out solution of the problem. "We won't let Goa to lose on tourism front. Whatever are the problems can be sorted out," he added.
