Goa looking at yacht marinas to attract high-end tourists

The Goa Department of Tourism (GTDC) is planning to set-up yacht marinas to attract high-end tourists and indications are that Britona has been considered as a favourable location to begin with. GTDC is currently evaluating this option as it will give Goa the much needed boost in the high-end tourism sector. Currently Goa has no facilities for yachts that sail into Goan waters. In the past moves were on to have marinas at Sancoale, Talpona and Tiracol but did not materialize.

With Goa having excellent waterways, the absence of yacht marinas, it was felt, was dispelling captains of yacht vessels from sailing into Goa.

Consultants of the Government of India are learnt to have visited the State recently to study the ground realities and are in the process of submitting a report to the State tourism ministry. A report is awaited from the central consultant, indications are that Britona may be a favourable location for a yacht marina.

It is learnt that a recent international yacht rally cancelled plans of sailing to Goa since it did not have berthing facilities and instead opted to dock at Cochin.

Goa houses many of the riches and each of them has a house close to the beach belt. The current yatch owners in Goa, have to dock them either at Captian of Ports or has to rent a small space at some shipyard.

A dedicated yacht marina will definitely be a good option.

Source: oHeraldo