Goa to sell rain drops in 8 states

PTI, PANAJI | 06 June 2013 13:52 IST

Goa tourism industry is all set to sell raindrops to visitors, who usually flock this beach destination for its sun, sand and surf and stay away during monsoons.

State tourism director Nikhil Desai said the department would hold roadshows and publicity campaigns across eight states from mid-June onwards to invite domestic tourists in Goa while it rains. 

"The private and state run hotels have offered special packages for the season. Goa is at its best during this time of the year," he said. 

The state-run Goa Tourism Development Corporation ( GTDC) has launched several new attractions like white water rafting in the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, he said. 

The monsoons have set in Goa since June 4 onwards.

Desai said that every possible means is being explored to attract tourists, right from holding campaigns to use of social networking websites. 

The tourism department has launched special contests on Facebook, where winners are offered packages in Goa. 

"The state is also promoted as monsoon wedding destination and for MICE (meetings, incentives, conference and exhibition) tourism," the director said. 

While average room occupancy remains 60 per cent in the state during monsoons, as beach shacks are removed due to gusty winds as well as unfavourable weather conditions on the shores, private players are expecting big footfalls from the Middle East countries during this season. 

"The heat is maximum during this time in Arab countries. Goa is the best place for them to visit in rains," Ralf D'Souza, spokesman, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) said. 

A group of 12 tour operators from UAE had visited Goa recently, D'Souza said, adding that tourism from Middle East is looking upward this season. 

He said that Goa can also tap on the expat population living in Middle East who look forward for venturing outside the country for long weekends. 

Goa attracts 2.6 million tourists every year but tourism is down during rains when chartered flights don't fly in the state.

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Previous Comments

It is said: 1) People expect too much from a person who is known to keep the promise! 2) ‘Wants’ of any person have no end!! In remembering these saying and other related sayings, people forget that “expectation….. and that to too much of expectations….always kills a person who hangs on to expectations!

I say this because these days I read only expectations coming from people without realizing factual reality!

Secondly, how come no Goan was voicing their “wants” and or “expectations” when congress was in power? By asking this question, I’m not disheartening any Goan raising their wants and or expectations.

- Uday, Margao | 06 th June 2013 22:42

 

First have basic infrastructure in place in Goa.

24/7 hours of Water supply, electricity, etc.

Have good telecommunications, internet, etc.

Traffic rules has to be observed by all.

Police have to be Autonomous, free from political control.

Educate tourists about environment, to keep Goa clean, etc. and our peaceful culture and traditions before promoting tourism in Goa.

Reduce crime and make Goa safe.

- Jose, Goa | 06 th June 2013 18:25

 

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