PANJIM: Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar has condemned a purported advertisement in one of the UK newspapers that portrays Goa as a State of lamanis. The advertisement, which has gone viral on various WhatsApp groups, has a picture of woman lamani walking by the beach.   

“I condemn the advertisement. We have been working hard to uplift the image of Goa but such a mischievous ad is intended to spoil our reputation. I will ask my department to inquire into the matter and approach the concerned in UK to rectify it,” the minister told Herald. 

The advertisement, probably issued by an advertising agency, speaks about discovering Goa with the headline reading as “Discover Goa With Us.” “A warm climate, spectacular landscapes and a vibrant culture are waiting to capture your heart,” the contents further mentions with the photo in the backdrop. 

The Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) has also reacted strongly to the advertisement calling it ‘ridiculous.’ TTAG President Savio Messias, while speaking to Herald, said “It is ridiculous to focus on a lamani but the truth is that something needs to be done so that Goa is not projected in such a manner.” He stated that lamanis have been detrimental to the tourism industry in Goa and police should clampdown on these groups, migrating from neighbouring States. 

As the State is gearing up to welcome the upcoming tourist season slated to commence next month, the North Goa Police held a meeting of the tourism stakeholders to emphasise on various security aspects. 

In the meeting chaired by North SP Utkrisht Prasoon, the stakeholders including shack operators, hoteliers and guest houses have been sensitized on installation of CCTV cameras with night vision, to liaison with Goa police and first responders, conduct proper checking of the identification of customers as well as verifying antecedents of its entire establishment staff. 

“Emphasis is laid on the need to understand the readiness of security in their areas taking in consideration the high footfall of tourists and the long coastline in the State. The establishment representatives have also been asked to conduct self audit on the working of the CCTV cameras, fire safety equipment, vehicles, etc,” said an officer as the briefing also had the presence of DySP (ATS) Mahesh Gaonkar, SDPOs of Panjim and Porvorim Uttam Raut Dessai and Edwin Colaco, respectively.