20 months needed to complete convention centre project at Rua de Ourem creek, says tourism dept

Panaji: Golden Peace Hotel & Resorts Pvt Ltd, the private investor selected to operate the convention centre alongside the Rua de Ourem creek, is expected to take 20 months to complete the facility, said the tourism department.

The convention centre, which was supposed to be operational in Dec 2022, was delayed as Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) ran out of funds to complete the convention centre, which includes a five-star resort.

The project, undertaken under the Swadesh Darshan scheme – coastal circuit II, was to be developed for Rs 89.8 crore, out of which the Centre was to pay Rs 41.9 crore, and the balance amount of Rs 47.9 crore was to be provided by state govt.

“Fulfilling the Goa state budget assurances for 2025-26, the development, operations, and maintenance of a convention centre – 5-star hotel facility at Rua-de-Ourem creekside, Panaji, has been approved by the cabinet. The development work is expected to be completed by Dec 2026, and the state-of-the-art facilities will be operational and available from Jan 2027,” said a department official.

Golden Peace Hotel & Resorts, which operates onshore and offshore casinos, will now invest in completing the convention centre for national and international conferences, business events, and exhibitions.

This, said tourism department officials, will create new avenues for economic activity and employment opportunities.

GTDC managed to complete just over 50% of the work on the convention centre at Patto, but the work stalled when the funds ran out. Once inaugurated, it will be one of the biggest auditoriums in the state, with a seating capacity for 1,300 persons.

The convention centre aims to attract MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) to the state and is expected to contribute revenue to the state’s and the capital’s economy.

The mini convention centre at Patto is being built on land belonging to the tourism department in an area measuring 13,231sqm.