Goa, which was one of the first states in India to declare itself CoVid-19 free, has finally taken a decision to open itself to the tourists. This is interesting from various perspectives, as the state is very much a tourist destination during the rains.

As a part of the second leg of the Unlock for the state, more than 250 hotels in Goa will open on Thursday, July 2, 2020. These hotels have been permitted to resume operation by the Goa Tourism ministry, as per an announcement by the Goa Tourism Minister today. Tourism is about 40% of the states GDP, as per the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG).

As per the minister,

 

The hotels will be allowed to start from tomorrow. Those who want to travel to Goa can do so. Hotel booking should be done prior to travelling to the state and with a hotel that has been allowed to reopen. Without booking tourists will not be allowed. At the entry point we will check if they are tested 48 hours prior. If not, the tourist will be sent to a hotel, where he will be tested. And once the test is negative, the tourist will be allowed to move out. If the tourist is staying with friends or relatives, there should be documentation.

To arrive in Goa for tourism, you need to be satisfying the following criteria before arrival,

• Pre-book a hotel approved by the tourism department
• Carry a CoVid-19 negative test certificate while entering Goa. Otherwise, you will be tested and quarantined before your results are out.
• Only Domestic tourists are allowed for the moment

You don’t have to fly into Goa, you can also drive to Goa without an interstate permit now on. Most major hotel chains have started updating data and accepting bookings. For instance, the ITC Grand Goa, earlier the Park Hyatt Goa, is accepting bookings.

What do you think of making a quick trip to Goa as tourism reopens in the state?

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