According to a report in Times of India by Paul Fernandes, Temporary Landing Facility (TLF) that immigration authorities of Goa have been giving out in large numbers might have alarmed security agencies, but according to the travel trade the facility of Visa-on -Arrival, if not TLFs, should be made available to keep the industry going.
As per travel trade sources in Goa, the Centre had mooted a proposal for Visa-on-Arrival for citizens from select countries, but the changed security scenario in the wake of terror attacks put the proposal on back burner. Therefore, TLFs have become the alternative to Visa-on-Arrival.
Ernest Dias, Vice-President, Sita World Travels said, “There is a lesson to be learnt from the countries that have made the facility of Visa-on-Arrival available. Instead of costly tourism promotion, this will be a better option.”
According to Serafino Cota, President, Federation of Small and Medium Hotels, Goa, “It is not enough for hotels to offer the right price, but give tourists the ease of getting there and it all begins with Visas. Agents get Visas for a price. If that money is saved, the tourist will spend it here.” |