Goa hopes to revive tourism after May 17, as state survives coronavirus scare

Goa would like to open its doors to tourism once the lock-down gets lifted on May 17, state Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said.

“After May 17 we would like to welcome tourists, if the central guidelines allow it. We are waiting for the central guidelines. Goa is coronavirus-free and that’s a positive thing,” Sawant said.

The Chief Minister said that there was a buzz in the tourism industry, with Goa being declared coronavirus-free.

Sawant said the state government would request the Centre for a bailout package for the tourism industry, which is one of the worst-hit due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “Other states have demanded special packages. We will also want help from the central government,” Sawant said.

With the mining banned, the closure of tourism activity on account of the pandemic has hit the state’s economy hard. Tourism accounts for nearly 30 per cent of the state’s gross domestic product, news agency IANS said in a report.