Panaji (Goa) [India], August 13 (ANI): Travel and Tourism sector in Goa continues to suffer as the state sees low footfall due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Thursday, while speaking to the reporters, Goa Minister Michael Lobo said that "Tourists are visiting Goa with RT-PCR negative certificates. We welcome them but they've to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. We've to be careful and understand that it's a pandemic. Resorts have reopened but getting very few customers."

Also Read | Samsung Galaxy A12 Smartphone With Exynos 850 Chipset Launched in India; Priced From Rs 13,999.

"The whole country is suffering from covid-19, we need to have patience, we are welcoming tourists to Goa with RT-PCR negative report or both doses of vaccination certificate and antigen test when they come to the state," he further stated.

After the low footfall of tourists, many businesses in the tourism sector has seen losses over the past year, "We have had no business in the last one year. I have 50 vehicles and booking is very low. We are surviving on loans from friends. Government should give us some subsidy." said Javed Khan, owner of Diana tours and travels.

Also Read | Realme Book Slim To Be Launched in India on August 18 Alongside Realme GT Series.

"Business is low, people are struggling. The business will re-start once tourists come. People are scared and hesitant to come," Prem Kumar, a restaurant manager said while speaking to ANI.

Earlier, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on June 28, this year, welcomed the decision of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to provide a financial package to revive the tourism sector which has been hit hard due to COVID-19. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)