From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Apr 30: Golfing enthusiasts could soon be teeing off from Goa with plans underway to set up the coastal tourist destination’s very first international PGA standard golf course.
Realising the potential of having a well planned Professional Golfers Association (PGA) standard course, the Goa state tourism department had floated an Expression of Interest (EoI) inviting reputed developers a few months ago. In response, the tourism department received proposals from three interested parties - Leading Hotels, DLF and Oxford Properties. The tourism department has now zeroed down on the Leading Hotels Pvt Ltd and has invited them to submit its detailed plan for scrutiny. The international Four Seasons group will be associated with the project in terms of operations and management. Said Swapnil Naik, Director Tourism, Government of Goa, “We have issued a letter of intent to the Leading Hotels and have requested them to submit a detailed project report on the proposed golf course project”.
Pernem has emerged as the most preferred location for the project with all three developers choosing to go with the taluka located in the northern district. Added Swapnil Naik, “The proposed developers have identified Terekol in the Pernem taluka as the most ideal location for the golf course project.”
The golf course can be set up under the large revenue generation scheme floated by the central government for which a subsidy of up to 50 crores can be availed.
Emphasising that the state government will not be involved in procuring the land for the ambitious project, he added, “We will be partnering with the selected company to develop this PGA standard golf course. The state will not be involved in procuring land or raising revenue for the construction of the project and allied facilities.” Spread over 200 acres, the proposed project will include a 150 acre international standard golf course and the other 50 acres will be utilized for allied hospitality and tourist facilities.
“An excellent golf course is a must” said Ralph de Souza, spokesperson for the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) , “Travellers from South East Asia and Japan in particular are avid golfers. An eco-friendly, well designed golf course will surely add to the infrastructure for tourism and is most welcome”. He added, “In certain cities, a well planned golf course act like the lungs of the place due to its extensive green cover, rain water harvesting systems, ponds and eco-friendly designs which can be maintained with a limited supply of water. Goa needs such a golf course, which is built by experts in the field”.
Elaborated Swapnil Naik, “The golf project will be environment friendly and ensure that all aspects are looked into. Utilisation of alternative energy sources such as wind power and solar farming, preservation and protection of existing flora and fauna in the area, recycling of all types of waste and the ability to set-up a de-salination plant are some of the pre-requisite conditions laid down before the developers.
Added Shrikant Wakharkar, General Manager, Intercontinental The Lalit Goa Resort, “Being India’s topmost tourist destination, high end facilities like a golf course and marinas would benefit Goa immensely. Since both are targeted towards high net worth individuals the image of Goa would get a significant boost”.
An F1 race track and convention center of international standards is also in the offing for the coastal state.