Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has voiced concern over the lack of skills among the state's youth in the tourism and hospitality sectors. He warned that if local youth are not adequately trained, individuals from other states may take away job opportunities in Goa. Speaking at an event in Ponda-South Goa, Sawant highlighted the immense potential in the tourism and hospitality sector within the state.
Sawant acknowledged the establishment of luxury hotels and the increasing number of tourists visiting Goa, projecting a future where the state becomes the tourism capital of India. However, he stressed the necessity of developing infrastructure and human resources to meet the needs of high-end tourists. Private entities are willing to invest in the state's infrastructure, but Sawant expressed concern about the lack of skilled local youth.
The Chief Minister emphasized that Goa's youth must equip themselves with the necessary skills to prevent outsiders from capitalizing on the state's opportunities. He previously noted that the coastal belt offers numerous job opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sector, predicting the creation of over two lakh jobs within the next five years. Sawant urged Goan youth to seize these opportunities, emphasizing that individuals from other states are ready to take advantage of them. He cited examples of youth from states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar working in Goa's hospitality sector and encouraged local youth to follow suit. Sawant emphasized that not everyone can secure a government job, urging Goan youth to develop their skills and tap into the potential of the tourism and hospitality sectors.