Single window ticketing for boat cruises
PTI, PANAJI | 24 October 2012 22:56 IST
Cruise boat operators in Panaji today united under one banner to streamline the business that attracts more than 3,000 tourists daily.
Running business in Mandovi river since 1984, the cruise boat operators have decided to introduce single window system for ticketing and also streamline the entertainment services offered on these boats.
State-run Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has brought the operators under one banner in a bid to weed out touts who used to harass tourists.
GTDC chairman Nilesh Cabral told reporters today that from November 1 onwards, the cruise boats will do away with their ticket counters and operate from a single window.
The rush to attract tourists will also end in the process, he said.
There are 10 boats operating at Santa Monica jetty in Panaji and another jetty across Mandovi river at Brittona with a capacity to carry 1,600 tourists.
Cruise Boat Owners Association of Goa secretary Anil Madgavkar said boats will leave from the jetty at regular intervals, thus cutting out on competition.
The association has also decided to put a moratorium on the number of cruise boats, he said.
"No new cruise boats would be introduced. The existing operators can replace their old boats," he said.
