Goa plans single−window clearance for tourism projects

Panaji, Nov 28 (IANS) Goa will adopt a single−window clearance system for projects in key thrust areas like tourism, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said Wednesday.

The single−window system would help accelerate the pace of decision making in the tourism sector, Parrikar said at a press conference after a cabinet meeting here.

“Tourism is going to be one of our main (growth) drivers. We need quick decisions to attract investment to the sector,” Parrikar said.

The chief minister’s statement comes at a time when the Goa government is trying to diversify its tourism portfolio from beach tourism to adventure sports, wildlife and river tourism.

Parrikar earlier announced that apart from tourism, industries like mid−level IT companies and information technology enabled services (ITES) firms were on top of the state government’s agenda.

“These (mid−level IT and ITES firms) are going to be our focus areas because these industries are non−polluting and have a good scope of employing the local talent,” he said.

Goa, one of the most popular beach tourism destinations in the country, attracts over 2.6 million tourists annually.

IANS 2012-11-28 18:46:17