Uttarakhand and Goa will become Partners in the field of Tourism

• 24 May 2023

Why in News?

On 23 May 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte to promote mutual cooperation in various aspects of tourism.

Key Points:

• The MoU was signed by Uttarakhand Tourism Secretary Sachin Kurve and Goa Tourism Director Sunil Achipka.
• Through bilateral cooperation in the field of tourism, both the states will also try to increase the number of tourists on the basis of a joint action plan and improve travel facilities between the two states in the development of tourism facilities.
• Under the MoU, focus on more than one direct flight connectivity facility from Goa to Uttarakhand for the convenience of tourists, cultural exchange programs to acquaint tourists with the distinctive cultural heritage of Goa and Uttarakhand, efforts will be made to create opportunities for road shows, organizing mutual festivals, showcasing local cuisine, folk culture & handicrafts.
• Both sides will work on exploration of joint packages for promotion of various tourism products keeping in view the convenience of tourists. Both the states will also share best practices in the field of tourism.
• In adventure tourism activities, both the states will jointly promote major adventure activities like water sports, aero sports and land based activities. States will focus on encouraging private sector and youth participation to develop adventure tourism activities.
• Land Based Activities like Paragliding, SkyDiving, Hot Air Balloon, Skiing etc, including Mountain Biking Trekking/Hiking, all Terrain Motor Biking, possibilities will be explored in destinations like Tehri Nainital, Baur Jal, Nanakmatta in Uttarakhand and other water body areas.
• These activities include aero sports powered hang glider, water sports parasailing, scuba diving, white water rafting, jet boats, jet boats, flyboarding, along with the water sports of Water Goa, the focus will also be on jointly developing and promoting water sports.
• In the field of eco-tourism, there are many national parks and wildlife in both the states. Sanctuaries which can be promoted as ecotourism. Both the states can jointly work for a strategy to promote and develop spiritual & religious tourism.
• In the field of wellness tourism, Uttarakhand has huge potential in the field of Ayurvedic and Yoga, while Goa has many spa & wellness resorts which can be promoted jointly.
• Similarly, in the field of heritage tourism, both Uttarakhand & Goa have colonial history and there are many places with rich cultural heritage, for which joint promotional strategy can be worked out.
• Both sides will work together in the field of human resource development and also partner in ensuring exchange of knowledge & expertise in the field of tourism.
• Describing the occasion as historic, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that this initiative would inspire other states as well. Citizens of both the states will be able to take advantage of the first direct flight service from Goa to Dehradun, which will boost tourism in both the states.
• This direct flight between Goa and Dehradun will encourage the people of both the states to travel, tourists will get the opportunity to see the Himalayas from the sea.
• This MoU will help in getting familiar with each other's rich cultural heritage besides promoting tourism of both the states. Both Uttarakhand and Goa are tourism oriented small states. Both the states can take advantage of these opportunities by mutual coordination and can also solve the problems.
• Goa's Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte also termed the MoU signed between Goa & Uttarakhand as historic and said that this will lead to unprecedented growth in the tourism sector of both the states. Tourism is a major part of Goa's GDP. More than 35% of the jobs in Goa are generated from tourism.
• Goa government is working on the vision of trade, technology and tourism. States can promote tourism in their respective areas with mutual coordination. At present, Goa has moved beyond the principle of Sun, Sand and Sea. Here work is being done in various areas like adventure tourism, eco tourism, spiritual tourism, wellness tourism, heritage tourism.