On Thursday, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte announced several digital and tourism development initiatives during a function held at Mantralaya in Porvorim. These measures launched by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, along with the Department of Tourism, will bring improvement to digital infrastructure while propelling Goa as the contemporary tourism destination.
Key Digital and Tourism Initiatives
1. Free Public Wi-Fi Hotspots
Seventy-five public Wi-Fi hotspots have been launched across Goa, offering free and seamless internet connectivity to the people and visitors. This is likely to boost connectivity, especially for students and local communities.
2. Installation of 4G BSNL Towers
To address the challenges of mobile network coverage, 11 new 4G BSNL towers have been installed. This initiative further strengthens the communication infrastructure and ensures uninterrupted digital connectivity across the state.
3. Let’s Goa Tourism Platform
The “Let’s Goa” platform is an innovative, user-friendly solution designed to help tourists explore Goa effortlessly. It integrates tourism services, connects local businesses, and simplifies bookings. Currently, it features over 100 hotels, 50 activity providers, and GTDC residencies, promoting wellness, adventure, and hinterland tourism.
4. One Map Goa GIS Portal
The GIS portal “One Map Goa” promotes spatial planning, infrastructure development, and governance. It provides access to geospatial data, thus promoting the transparency and efficiency of planning and administration.
Vision for Digital Goa
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that these initiatives go well with the “Digital India” vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that they are a giant leap in the empowerment of citizens and in smart governance. He further elaborated that free Wi-Fi hotspots, 4G towers, and the GIS portal transform digital inclusion, governance, and tourism in the state.He said, “This bold initiative harnesses technology for new openings to Goans. From connectivity to innovative platforms, Goa is building a digitally inclusive and innovative ecosystem.”
Increasing Tourism and E-Governance
Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte discussed the importance of these initiatives under the digitalization programme of Atmanirbhar Bharat. According to him, connectivity, innovation, and opportunity are important factors which will bring in a narrowing of the gaps and increase progress.Khaunte said that the GIS portal is a revolutionary leap toward e-governance, which enhances transparency and efficiency in planning. He also described the “Let’s Goa” platform as a comprehensive guide integrating tourism services, technology, and local businesses, making it a transformative leap for Goa’s tourism industry.
Empowering Goa’s Tourism Sector
According to the Director of Tourism, Suneel Anchipaka, the Let’s Goa portal is an important enabler of innovation and growth in the tourism sector. It links tourists with service providers and helps present the heritage and culture of Goa while making operational functions like booking and inventory management much easier.
The program promotes tourism while promoting the empowerment of local businesses through wellness, adventure, and hinterland tourism.
A Digital and Tourism Growth Milestone
These are landmark initiatives for Goa’s path to becoming a digitally connected tourism-driven state. In weaving tradition with technology, Goa further forges its appeal as a destination that offers both cultural richness and modern convenience.
