Panaji: The tourism department participated in the three-day World Travel Mart (WTM), London, to showcase Goa as a year-round attraction as well as to highlight new initiatives in eco-tourism, hinterland tourism, sports tourism, and heritage tourism that could draw European travellers. To attract more visitors from Europe, the department promoted the e-tourist visa facility available at Goa International Airport, Dabolim, and Manohar International Airport, Mopa.
Tourism minister Rohan Khaunte, who attended the event, said that the department wants to strengthen tourism infrastructure and promote sustainable tourism practices.
“We aim to showcase Goa’s rich cultural heritage and promote responsible tourism that respects and preserves our environment. Goa’s participation in the WTM demonstrates our commitment to positioning Goa as a premier travel destination on the global map. We look forward to forging strategic partnerships with international travel organisations and attracting more tourists to experience the magic of Goa,” said Khaunte.
The department considers UK and European markets as key contributors to Goa’s tourism industry, and it wants to encourage long-term stays.
The department said that tourists from all over the UK and Europe would love to visit Goa to experience the festivities, year-end activities, heritage, architecture, adventure activities, and spa services, among others.
The state also offered samples of cashew feni, Goan delicacies like bebinca, cashews, and other sweets to travel operators, with productive meetings being held during the event.
“While the state’s beaches draw millions of tourists throughout the year, the department wants to expand the state’s tourism offerings beyond the coastal belt. The department unveiled its roadmap for the upcoming tourism season, highlighted infrastructure improvement, and also promoted the innovative homestay and caravan policy,” said the department in a statement.
Citizens of European countries, as well as of nations like Oman and the UAE, are eligible for e-visas upon arrival.
Tourism minister Rohan Khaunte, who attended the event, said that the department wants to strengthen tourism infrastructure and promote sustainable tourism practices.
“We aim to showcase Goa’s rich cultural heritage and promote responsible tourism that respects and preserves our environment. Goa’s participation in the WTM demonstrates our commitment to positioning Goa as a premier travel destination on the global map. We look forward to forging strategic partnerships with international travel organisations and attracting more tourists to experience the magic of Goa,” said Khaunte.
The department considers UK and European markets as key contributors to Goa’s tourism industry, and it wants to encourage long-term stays.
The department said that tourists from all over the UK and Europe would love to visit Goa to experience the festivities, year-end activities, heritage, architecture, adventure activities, and spa services, among others.
Expand
“While the state’s beaches draw millions of tourists throughout the year, the department wants to expand the state’s tourism offerings beyond the coastal belt. The department unveiled its roadmap for the upcoming tourism season, highlighted infrastructure improvement, and also promoted the innovative homestay and caravan policy,” said the department in a statement.
Citizens of European countries, as well as of nations like Oman and the UAE, are eligible for e-visas upon arrival.