If your idea of Goa is just limited to its beaches and parties, then it’s about to change. The Government of Goa has released a new Caravan Tourism and the Homestay Bed & Breakfast Policy. Through this, the state aims to rebrand itself as a holistic tourist destination.
The Caravan Tourism Policy will involve operators running repurposed vans. It also involves setting up caravan parks, which will include sanitation services, utilities, and charging stations, amongst other features. Visitors can rent these caravans, which they can use as accommodation, leisure, or for traveling across the hinterlands of Goa. This policy not only encourages visits to lush green forests and pristine waterfalls but also generates employment for the locals.
The caravan parkings will be created in the beach belts as well as rural parts of the state. INR 20 lakh has been allotted as a subsidy to create the caravan parking under this policy.
The Homestay Bed & Breakfast Policy allows tourists to explore the culture, festivals, cuisines, and traditions by staying as guests in rural households of Goa. This policy will highly benefit the natives of Sanguem, Quepem, Canacona, Sattari, Bicholim, and Pernem Talukas. 100 houses are outlined in Bicholim for the same. These have been granted INR 2 Lakh to upgrade essential infrastructure. Additional incentives like high-speed internet, water tariff, and electricity charges in line with domestic connections will also be provided.
To further promote this policy, the Department of Tourism has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbnb. With this tie-up, the old mansions and houses that reflect the Goan architecture will be preserved.
The Caravan Tourism Policy and the Homestay Bed & Breakfast Policy will be in effect for the next 5 years. If your idea of Goa is limited to just beaches and parties, you might as well start thinking of it as a tranquil and rejuvenating destination and visit soon.
