Goa will try to attract tourists from the United States of America, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and some other countries besides traditional markets like Russia and the United Kingdom, state minister Rohan Khaunte said on Thursday. The decision was taken in a meeting of the Goa Tourism Board chaired by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, where the calendar of events focused on emerging markets was finalised, he said.
“Goa has been traditionally depending on Russia and UK for international footfalls. Looking at reports, we have realised countries like the USA, South Korea, and UAE are opening for outbound travel. This means we can expect tourists to come from these places,” Khaunte told reporters.
“The calendar for travel shows and events for the upcoming tourism year was finalized during the Board meeting. Goa has to project itself as a destination beyond beaches in these countries. The state tourism department is promoting festivals like Sao Joao, Chikal Khalo (mud festival) and others so that tourists can enjoy Goa beyond beaches,” he added.
Khaunte also said new international destinations have to be connected through the recently commissioned Manohar International Airport at Mopa.
“The CM and I would be meeting Union Civil Aviation Minister (Jyotiraditya Scindia) to increase the flight connectivity to Mopa airport under Open Skies policy,” Khaunte informed.
Minister of Tourism for Goa, Rohan Khaunte compared Goa’s Chikhal Kalo mud festival to Spain’s famous La Tomatina festival, indicating that Goa’s cultural events deserve similar attention. Goa’s recent recognition as the Festival Organiser of the Year (Cultural & State Events) at the ET MICE & Wedding Tourism Summit & Awards, is a testimony to its commitment to promoting cultural experiences along popular tourism offerings.
