What are the areas that need to be improved for the State to enhance its potential to attract tourists?
While the Goa government is going all out to improve infrastructure projects, we want to shift our focus developing hinterland tourism, wildlife and eco-tourism, heritage tourism, festival tourism and wedding tourism. Further, we are trying to strengthen the tourism industry and improve the tourist profile. The formulation of the tourism master plan for the next 25 years will identify areas of focus and the need for creation of necessary infrastructure.
What is the type of infrastructure needed to cater to high end tourists?
Goa has a potential to attract high end tourists. The State requires shopping malls, golf course, a family theme park, convention center, introduction of seaplanes, wellness tourism, development of beach venues and restoration of forts for wedding tourism. The recent proposal to introduce Mumbai to Goa luxury train on the lines of Palace on Wheels will also help attract high-end tourists to Goa.
Does the industry intend to target some specific countries?
Yes: Russia, UK, Germany, Italy, France, USA, Canada, Australia, China and Japan. In order to tap the potential of high-end tourists, the State needs to create facilities which can help to tap the spending potential. Generally high-end tourists are also associated with Japan, Scandinavian and Middle Eastern countries.
What is the State government’s plan for the forthcoming tourism season?
Goa Tourism has drawn up elaborate plans in public relations and marketing for giving wide publicity to the upcoming Exposition of St Francis Xavier. We are planning special drives so as to promote religious tourism in Goa.
The proposed closure of Dabolim airport for maintenance works is proving to be a major challenge as charter tourists will be disturbed over this and Goa government is working closely with airport authorities, so as to ensure that minimum inconvenience is caused to charter and other international flights. The introduction of beach safety has been successful on all beaches of Goa. We are optimistic that the forthcoming season will see a lot of changes. Beach cleaning will soon be a reality. Our aim is to make Goa one of the cleanest beaches with all basic amenities in place, in South-East Asia.
Seaplanes will be launched this monsoons. MEHAIR is awaiting certain clearances for seaplane operations. The proposed routes for the service are Dona Paul, Mira Mar beach and Coco beach.
From which country do you expect to attract the maximum number of tourists this tourist season?
Traditional markets: Russia, UK, Germany, Scandinavian countries. New potential markets: UAE, Australia and USA.
