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Goan drive paying off

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Parulekar ... good response

KNOWN for its sunny beaches and wild parties during the winter months from October to March, Goa is now restructuring its tourism strategy to attract visitors all year round.

As part of its aggressive strategy to promote the ‘beach paradise’ of India, the Goa Tourism authorities have been conducting active road shows across the globe. And as part of its promotional campaign, Goa Tourism was in Dubai last month during the Indian Trade Fair that was held from September 3-5. A senior delegation including Minister of Tourism Dilip Parulekar and Minister of Industry Mahadev Naik attended the three-day event.

Parulekar commented: “We have been travelling to promote tourism and sell Goa to the world. We are happy to announce that we have been receiving favourable feedback. Between October 2012 and May 2013, we received 1,250 chartered flights to Goa, from Poland, UK, Russia and Kazakhstan. We expect the number to rise to 1,500 by the end of this year.”

The Middle East region is, in particular, on high focus and the government hopes to urge more visitors from this region to visit Goa. Parulekar said: “We’re aware that travellers from the Middle East and Gulf region have traditionally preferred Europe and South East Asia. We hope to attract visitors from this region and experience a great destination – so close to home, and a place which offers something for everybody.”

He also highlighted the easy connectivity from the region with major airlines offering direct flights to Goa including Air India, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Air Arabia. As well as visitors from the region, the ministry is also keen to re-attract visitors from Amsterdam and Germany as well as the US.

The government has also been taking precautionary steps to perk up security for tourists visiting the state. Last year it deployed 150 IRB (Indian Reserve Battalion) soldiers across Goa, which has reportedly helped in reducing any trouble on the streets. The government has also invested in technology and installed surveillance cameras across popular touristic spots. The tourism board have also taken measures to offer a clean, hygienic travel experience by conducting beach clean-up activities and providing e-toilets at various locations.

Goa now offers a 360-degree, 365-day holiday offering. As well as leisure travel, Goa is also promoting a series of other options such as pilgrimage tourism, medical tourism, eco-tourism, monsoon tourism, hinterland tourism and wedding tourism. “Last year alone, according to reports from the hotel industry, there were around 100 weddings in Goa – this is a staggering increase from before when we had only between 25-30 weddings a year. The government is trying to support this sector by offering the provision for couples to register their marriage, and issue certificates.”

Yet another sector on focus is sports tourism. In November Goa will host the third Lusofonia Games. The multi-sport event is conducted for countries and delegations that are Portuguese-speaking, with the first and second events having taken place in Macau (2006) and Lisbon (2009) respectively.

Located on western coast of India, the ‘Pearl of the East’ boasts a coastline of 105 km making it a favourite beach holiday destination. It was under the Portuguese rule for 450 years until December 1961, and hence getting the title of ‘Rome of the East’. Goa is also known for its many cathedrals, chapels and convents of appealing architecture as well as a rich tropical flora and fauna.

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