Panaji: Stating that Goa’s numerous restaurants and eating joints are the key drivers of its tourism industry, the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), in a study, disclosed that 50% of money spent by tourists in the state is on food and beverages.
“It underlines the significance of restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs to the Goan economy,” said leading restaurateurs during the launch of the NRAI Goa chapter.
“For every rupee spent in Goa, 50 paise is directly spent on food and beverage because that is the main activity here.
People either go to restaurants and bars or go to nightclubs and there again they eat or drink beverages,” pointed out NRAI Goa’s new president Prahlad Sukhtankar.
He said that nearly 45% of the state’s population is directly or indirectly employed by the local restaurant industry. There are around 8,000 registered restaurants in the state.
“Good food and nightlife options are critical for the discerning travellers when they are choosing where to go. The recent explosion of very good quality restaurants and bars is helping shape Goa’s identity to be even more attractive,” remarked NRAI president Kabir Suri.
“Many new restaurants are extensions of their very popular outposts in other cities. These brands are well known and liked across the country and this greatly helps entice good quality diners from these cities to Goa,” added NRAI past president Rahul Singh.
Tourism minister Rohan Khaunte launched the Goa chapter in the presence of members of the Goan industry. Welcoming the setting up of the Goa chapter of NRAI, Khaunte said that it would serve as a platform for the local restaurateurs to voice their legitimate grievances with the government for faster redressal.
Chief minister Pramod Sawant urged the newly elected members of NRAI Goa to take the culinary scene in the state to new heights. “We will work to bring more investment in the restaurant industry, create more opportunities for our chefs and restaurateurs and promote the Goan cuisine to the world,” said Sawant.
The NRAI advocates fair business policies, providing education and training to the sector’s employees and promoters, facilitates networking and maintains industry standards. The body supports local businesses and cuisines.
Sukhtankar said NRAI Goa would ensure that the interest of the local restaurant industry is well represented and protected. “The association will focus on addressing the challenges of the industry, supporting the professional development of members and fostering effective communication and collaboration among chapter members,” he said.
The Goa chapter core committee members are Akshay Quenim, Pranav Dhuri, Amey Naik, Rajesh Salgaonkar and Girish Desai. The two advisory committee members are Gaurish Dhond and Vincent Ramos.
