Nilesh Shah, who has been reelected as the President of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), shares his insights and plans for promoting tourism in Goa. TTAG, established in 1977, serves as a vital link between the government and the travel and tourism industry in the region. Mr. Shah discusses his 30-year tenure in the tourism sector and the growth and development he’s witnessed. He highlights the association’s focus on streamlining the industry and promoting “Ease of Doing Business” (EoDB) to attract tourists.
CAREER
During his second term as President, Mr. Shah emphasizes the importance of rebranding Goa to regain its international tourism market, attract newer markets, and overcome hurdles in the industry. He mentions the need for the government to grant e-visas to tourists from the UK and advocates for international participation in various marts to promote tourism. Additionally, Mr. Shah addresses challenges in the taxi business, noting the importance of implementing meters and GPS systems for taxis.
Mr. Shah highlights that despite challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic tourism has grown, and international tourism is gradually recovering. Scheduled flights and the focus on attracting foreign tourists are expected to revitalize Goa’s tourism industry. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of ensuring a comfortable stay for tourists and the need for digitization and competition, particularly through services like Ola and Uber, to resolve taxi-related issues and benefit both tourists and locals.
Regarding the casino industry, Mr. Shah acknowledges its significance in generating government revenue and employment opportunities for the locals. However, he emphasizes the need for checks and balances, restricting locals from entry, and monitoring for illegal activities. He believes that casinos can help boost the economy and create job opportunities for various sectors.
The interview also discusses the initiatives taken by TTAG members to adapt to the changing tourism landscape, focusing on safety measures and marketing Goa as a family destination. Mr. Shah highlights the emergence of experiential tourism and heritage walks as new trends in attracting tourists to Goa, emphasizing the need for successful marketing and close monitoring of government-introduced services.
