Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar on Tuesday said that Goa wants only rich tourists and not the ones who come to consume drugs. "We do not want tourists who consume drugs. We do not want tourists who ruin Goa. We do not want tourists who cook food in buses in Goa. We want the rich tourists. We want tourists who respect our culture, heritage and Goan-ness. We welcome tourists, but they should enjoy Goa within the limits of culture and tradition," Ajgaonkar told reporters on the sidelines of the ongoing two-day session of the state legislative assembly.
Last year, the government updated the Goa tourism policy, barring tourists from cooking in public. The decision was taken by the state to protect its natural beauty and culture.
Tourism Minister further said the state would not tolerate tourists who visit to Goa to indulge in drug abuse.
Ajgaonkar also said that with the Prime Minister's decision to award five lakh free visas to international tourists, Goa would stand to benefit from the move. "Tourism is going to open up. The PM has announced five lakh free visas. Charter flights will begin now. We have already waived fees to the tune of 50 per cent related to shack and hotel licences," Ajgaonkar also said.