Rupesh Samant

Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jul 2: Amidst rising COVID-19 cases, tourism department is all set to open its doors for domestic travellers, but with certain conditions.

Tourism Minister, Manohar Ajgaonkar on Wednesday announced that the tourism industry in the state would open for the travelers from Wednesday July 2, with opening of 250 hotels in the state.

Ajgaonkar said that his department has already allowed 250 hotels to operate after following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

“We have decided to allow the domestic travelers to come to Goa from tomorrow onwards after they comply with certain decisions,” the minister said.

He said that the decision to open the state for domestic travelers was taken during the state cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.

Ajgaonkar said that the tourists who are arriving should compulsorily have pre-booking of any of the hotels which are approved by the tourism department. He said that home stays and those who do not register with the department will not be allowed to entertain the guests or offer online bookings.

The minister said that the tourists will have to carry COVID-19 negative certificate along with them while entering Goa. “If they do not have the certificate, then they will have to get themselves tested at the border, and wait in state run quarantine facility till their results are conveyed to them,” he said.

“If anyone who tests positive, will be given an option to return back to his state or get admitted in the state,” he said.

Ajgaonkar said that tourist without COVID-19 negative certificate will not be allowed to roam in the state.

The minister said that the states like Maharashtra and Hyderbad have already opened their doors to tourists.

“Why should we sit back and wait. We are also allowing the industry to resume. There are so many travelers who want to come to Goa,” he said.