GTDC Chairman Nilesh Cabral speaks to Goa Streets’ Shubham Gupta

Q. What are the major logistical and infrastructural developments that have taken place since last year?

A. We have now built our own office building where queries and issues can be resolved under one roof and we can provide a comfortable environment for all our employees and clients. Apart from that, here we have built a parking lot for tourists and a jetty to further accommodate cruise boats. We have also installed mobile toilets on Baga and Calangute beaches for the ease of tourists.

Q. What steps have been taken to take care of the garbage situation?

A. We are conducting very aggressive beach cleaning campaigns on all major beaches.  Even though there are laws against littering, try they are not enforced since the logistical structure is not set up for it. If there is no dustbin, how can we fine someone for littering? We are making sure that all these issues are resolved along with making dustbins available.

Q. What are the freshest services provided by Goa Tourism?

A. We have recently launched a lavish boat trip on the backwaters of Goa. This two-day trip will take one on the beautiful and largely unexplored Goan backwaters. It will include sailing on river Cumbarjua and a trip to the 100-year-old Savoi plantation.

Q. How do you compare the quality of your services with private competitors?

A. Well, we have kept the quality very high. Moreover, since our services are government operated, there is no under cutting of prices, neither there is any outsourcing.

Q. Would you say that the economic downturn in Russia and the crisis in Ukraine are bound to effect the tourism season?

A. Well, it will definitely crunch the charter sales from Russia and Ukraine. With the direct flight services from airliners like Fly Dubai, Etihad, Qatar, and Emirates, the numbers can be brought back up.