Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has emphasized the importance of skill development in the tourism and hospitality sectors for the youth of the coastal state. He expressed concerns that if local youth lack the necessary skills, job opportunities will be taken by individuals from other states. Speaking at a program in Ponda-South Goa, Sawant highlighted the vast scope in the tourism and hospitality sector in Goa, stating that it offers unique opportunities compared to anywhere else in the country. He envisioned Goa becoming the tourism capital of India, considering the establishment of star hotels and the increasing number of tourists visiting the state.

To cater to high-end tourists, Sawant emphasized the need for infrastructure and skilled human resources. Private players are willing to invest in the state's infrastructure, but there is a shortage of skilled local workforce. Sawant urged Goan youth to acquire the necessary skills, as failure to do so would result in job seekers from other states taking advantage of the opportunities.

In a previous statement, the Chief Minister highlighted the numerous job opportunities in the coastal belt, projecting the creation of over two lakh jobs in the hospitality and tourism sector within the next five years. He stressed the importance of local youth seizing these opportunities before individuals from other states claim them. Sawant encouraged Goan youth to pursue employment in the sector, citing examples of youth from other states successfully working in the hospitality sector in Goa. He reminded them that not everyone can secure a government job and emphasized the potential for growth in the hospitality sector for the people of Goa.