PORVORIM: The State government on Wednesday informed the house that there was no reduction in foreign tourists coming to Goa in the last three years.
Tourism Minister Manohar ‘Babu’ Azgoankar was replying to the question tabled by Congress MLA Aleixo R. Lourenco.
“There has been no reduction in foreign tourists coming to Goa in the last three years. The Department of Tourism conducts various road shows to promote Goa as a tourist destination. Leaflets and publicity materials are distributed during the above events to project and showcase Goa as a safe and unique tourist destination. Information regarding tourist’s spots of Goa is also provided to the participants during such events and road shows.” Informed Azgoankar
He said, “The Department of Tourism delegates hold interactions with different stake Holders based abroad like Travel Agents, Tour Operators and Travel and Tourism Industry and persuade them to promote Goa as a safe and unique destination. Department of Tourism also promotes Goa by publication/release of Advertisement and Sponsorship in print and electronic media.”
He further said that State government has undertaken various steps for the safety of foreign tourists who visit Goa for holidays such deploying of more than 600 trained lifeguards and 111 Night Patrolmen for night patrolling through M/s. Drishti Lifesaving Pvt. Ltd whereas 51 tourist wardens, 3 supervisors have been posted on the beaches of North and South Goa to check on the illegalities on the beaches and to assist the tourists.
“Government has also created a Tourist Police Unit headed by the Superintendent of Police (Tourist), and comprising of two Deputy Superintendants of Police, one in each District, Police Inspectors and 6 PSIs and has further deployed more than 90 IRB personnel at various beaches across the State to check on the illegalities and assist the tourists in times of distress.” he added
