Newstrack

Goa plans convention center, world class golf course

Neeti Mehra - Mumbai

In a conscious move to establish itself as an all year round tourist destination, Goa Tourism has zeroed in on locations to set up a state-of-the-art convention center and a world-class golf course. A 25-acre tract of land at Dona Paula, near the Goa University, has been finalised for the convention center, and the golf course will be located at Betul, in south Goa. The proposal for the golf course is in the nascent stages currently.

Speaking to Express Hospitality, Sandip J Jacques, director tourism, Government of Goa said, "We want to tap the growing MICE segment, especially during the off-peak season, and also establish the state as a preferred destination for golf tourism. We have decided to appoint Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Limited (IL&FS) to conduct the feasibility study of the convention center, and will be signing a MoU shortly. As per their recommendations, the financial requirements will be estimated, and then we shall begin the competitive bidding process."

The commissioned study will be completed within a period of two months. The capacity of the convention center is estimated at 2000-4000 persons. "Our role will be that of a facilitator and we will provide the land. The funding process is based on the BOOT (build, own, operate and transfer) model. The consortium will eventually be transferred to the government," he added. To attract bidders, the MoT Goa is planning to conduct roadshows across India.