Puducherry Tourism Minister To Visit Goa, Plans To Study Offshore Casino Model

Malladi Krishna Rao
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  • PG News July 10, 2016
  • 2 Minutes Read

Confirming the hint given by the Puducherry Chief Minister (CM) a few days ago, Malladi Krishna Rao (cover image), who holds the dual portfolios of Tourism and Health has stated that discussions had already begun regarding the proposal to introduce floating casinos in the Union Territory.

V Narayanasamy, CM, Puducherry (Pondicherry) had earlier said that promoting tourism for revenues was the focus for the cash-strapped Union Territory. The plans included an offshore casino and more, besides a shipping channel to Chennai and better airport facilities.

Expanding on this Rao told The Hindu, “The Cabinet has held discussions on the proposal to start off-shore casinos modelled on the ones in Goa. We are exploring the options to allow them in Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. The casinos would be primarily aimed at domestic and international tourists visiting the Union Territory.”

It was reported that the minister was planning on leading a high-level delegation to Goa soon, in order to study the system of off-shore casinos, their revenue models and other allied aspects. Thereafter, a proposal for the same would be submitted to the government.

The Tourism Department was also looking at several other options for attracting visitors, by launching recreational facilities, theme parks and food courts and more. Additionally, it has been proposed to have a joint collaboration with a calendar of events with the Departments of Tourism and Art and Culture. This calendar would include events held at various locales and would conduct exchange and cultural programs to attract tourists.

Puducherry was once a beautiful destination, thronged by foreign tourists, with its clean and lush coastline and the Aurobindo Ashram. However, in recent times the beach town had seen a decline with average hotel occupancy down to 32%.

The current Congress administration is seeking to change the situation by introducing a series of new measures to increase tourist footfalls.

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