Replicate Singapore or Dubai model to enhance tourism in Goa: Patel

Panaji, Oct 31 (UNI) Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said Goa should follow the Singapore or Dubai model to become a major global tourist attraction.

While speaking at a function organised by Samarat Club International at Kala Academy, Campal, to felicitate Goan Industrialist and Connoisseur of art and music Dr Prafulla Hede here last night, Mr Patel urged Goan political leaders to reach a consensus among themselves and with poeple to introduce innovative things such as Marinas and seaplanes to enhance the tourist economy in the state.

He said there is a need to respond to the changing times to emerge prosperous in the future, considering the way things are in the national and global arena today.

Though the aviation industry in the country is going through a rough patch, the country needs more connectivity to provide a boost to its social and economic growth. ''We want to make India a little bit stronger,'' he added.

Meanwhile, speaking about Dr Hede, Mr Patel said that Dr Hede's shift from the economy class to the business class since the last 70 years was through sheer hardwork.

Goa Chief Minister Digamber Kamat felicitated Dr Hede by presenting him with a scroll of honour and a Memento.

Earlier, Speaker of the state assembly, Mr Pratapsingh Rane, who is the chairman of the felicitation committee, welcomed the gathering.

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