News From Rubiya Shaikh
For Daijiworld Media Network—Panaji (CN)

Panaji, Aug 25: Small and medium hoteliers in the state have expressed their strong reservations over the proposed special tourism zones (STZs). The federation of small and medium hotels and guest houses in Goa (FOSAM), and the centre for responsible tourism (CFRT), say that the central government's plan is likely to spell doom for these establishments.

FOSAM and CFRT said on Saturday, August 23, that the government was promoting STZs with the sole objective of encouraging more five star hotels in the coastal belt. Serafin Cota, president, FOSAM, said that state hotels have been witnessing a slack season and more hotels would only increase the pressure. He said that Goa`s existing hotel industry was sufficient enough to cater to the demands of the tourism industry.

Those opposing the STZs said that under the excuse of increasing occupancy, the government would take over land in coastal areas at cheap rates and sell the same at higher rates to vested interests. The association also stressed the need for reducing taxes on the tourism and hotel industry in addition to effective utilization of taxes recovered by the government.

Cota said, 'There should be an inter connectivity between tourism and other sectors sectors, primarily agriculture, dairy farming, horticulture, and others, to give a boost to local produce and farmers.' The government should also use central assistance for improving tourism infrastructure, he added.

FOSAM and CFRT have also rectified the absence of a tourism policy for Goa by preparing one and submitted it to the government.