Water sports activities yet to start in Goa this year

Tourists to Goa are witnessing near total absence of water sports activities on the state's shoreline. Water sports activities have not commenced despite the season beginning in the first week of October this year since the authorities are yet to issue licenses to operators for this tourism season, according to a report by Andrew Pereira in The Times of India. Water sports operators claimed that they have suffered losses over the last one month. Normally, water sports activities commence around the end of September.

The Goa government recently formulated a policy to keep a check on erring water sports operators on its coastline, and has begun the process of moving files for issuing licenses. This was done mainly to curb touts, undercut prices by rival operators, and prevent accidents. The water sports association de Goa recently met the captain of ports officials urging them to expedite the process of issuing licenses. Varying estimates put the number of water sports operators at over 400, each having several registrations for different types of water sports activities. Also, several operators function without any licenses, sources said.

"Usually, we start business by September-end or in the first week of October. This year, due to circumstances, including the matter being in court and the formulation of the water sports policy, we are going to start our business almost a month behind schedule," said Paul Silveira, President, water sports association de Goa. When contacted, Michael Lobo, MLA, Calangute, said, "Tourism department officials are thick-skinned. They have been delaying issuing licenses to water sports operators. They don't seem to be concerned about difficulties faced by water sports operators because of the delay in issuing licenses, which has affected the livelihood of the people. Tourists have been deprived of enjoying water sports in Goa."

Subsequently, operators have to also obtain permission from the fisheries department; those operating para-sailing activities have to seek permission from the National Institute of Water sports (NIWS), and finally permission has to be sought from the tourism department. The government will also set-up ticket kiosks that will ensure collection of fees at one point. Goa's tourism season officially commenced with the first charter flights from Europe arriving last week.

Source: http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/water-sports-activities-yet-to-start-in-goa-this-year-18159

jeremy lin game winner chocolate covered strawberries shrimp scampi kate upton si cover lobster recipes hearts roses