Swachhta Action Plan Tourism Stakeholders Workshop Conducted

Panjim, July 20 : As partof the “Swachhta Action Plan” Implementation in Goa, the National Institute of Water Sports, in association with the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management, organized a tourism stakeholders workshop themed on Cleanliness, Sanitation and Hygiene involving different tourism stakeholders at Dona Paula this week. Tourism stakeholders who participated included street vendors from Miramar, taxi drivers, hoteliers, GTDC staff and others.

The Chief Guestsat the inaugural session, Prof. Sutheeshna Babu, (Nodal Officer, NIWS) & Mr. Laxmikant Vaingankar (G.M-Administration, GTDC) highlighted various key aspects concerning aclean and green Goa. Prof. Sutheeshna Babu made a presentation on the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in daily life and how it is linked with the economy & GDP of the country. A Video presentation wasmade by Dr. B. Swajan (Asst. Professor, IITTM) on the economicalimportance of tourism in Indian economy and the effect of cleanliness and hygiene in the tourism industry. Mr. Laxmikant Vaingankar (G.M-Administration, GTDC), in hisspeech shared the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in the tourism industry and steps initiated to give tourism in Goa the clean and green appeal to visiting tourists.

Mr. Gavin Dias (GM –Operations, GTDC) in his presentationshared insights on the current scenario of Goa Tourism and initiatives in the direction towards keeping Goa’s tourism avenues clean and hygienic. He also highlighted on the benefits that can be derived from the Swachhta Action Plan to each and every tourism stakeholder. He impressed on the economical advantages that can be gained by every citizen of the country in keeping his respective locales clean and hygienic.

A Swachhta Pledge was taken in which all participants assured their contribution to the “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” Project.

During the Interactivesession participants came up with relevant suggestions towards improving measures for cleanliness and hygiene.

“Swachhta Action Plan” is an ambitious project initiated by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The main objective of the “Swachhta Action Plan”is creating awareness amongst the tourists about sanitation and cleanliness at tourist/pilgrimage centres. It mulls for a clean city that will attract investment, good health and a sense of pride amongst the local residents and a sense of satisfaction amongst the tourists. The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has chosen Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management / National Institute of Water Sports as the nodal agencies to implement this project across the country in all 29 states and all UTs.

As part of “Swachhta Action Plan” implementation in Goa, the Ministry of Tourism has chosen 7 tourist destinations in Goa for the implementation of this project through National Institute of Water Sports. Iconic tourist destination “Colva” is oneamong the 7 destinations in Goa.