The decision to restart tourist activities was taken during a meeting of the State Cabinet (Representational)
Panaji:
Goa’s Minister of Tourism, Manohar Ajgaonkar, announced Wednesday that the coastal state will be open to tourists from July 2, 250 hotels having been authorized to resume operations.
One of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, Goa has remained closed to travelers since the national coronavirus-induced lockout was imposed in March.
The decision to revive tourism activities was taken at a meeting of the state cabinet, the minister said.
So far, the Ministry of Tourism has granted permission to 250 hotels, which can operate in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) put in place by the state government.
“We have decided to allow domestic travelers to enter Goa from July 2 on condition that they meet certain standards,” said the minister.
It will be mandatory for tourists to book their stay in hotels in advance, which have received approval from the Ministry of Tourism, he said.
Hotels and host families who have not registered with the department to reopen business will not be allowed to entertain guests or offer online reservations, said Ajgaonkar.
In addition, tourists will either need to have COVID-19 negative certificates to enter the state, or be tested at the border and quarantined in a public facility until their results arrive, a- he declared.
“People who test positive will be able to return to their respective countries or stay in Goa for treatment,” added the minister.
(This story has not been edited by GalacticGaming staff and is automatically generated from a syndicated feed.)
