PANJIM, JAN 12
The number of foreign tourists flying directly into Goa on charter flights has fallen by nearly 13 per cent this holiday season, according to the airport police.
In 2007, 82,515 foreigners visited Goa by chartered and scheduled flights during the peak tourism period between September and December. This year that number was 71,918, a drop of nearly 13 per cent.
A relaxation of visa rules has also meant that Russians have now become the second largest group of foreign tourists flying into Goa after the British.
Between September and December, 17,632 tourists came into Goa from Russia, making it the second largest group of tourists after the British, who numbered 27,542.
Earlier, charter tourists came from Moscow alone. This year, charter aircraft are coming from places like Yekaterinburg and St Petersburg.
These cities have no Indian consulate, but the central government has allowed tourists from these places entry into India on Temporary Landing Permits (TLP) for 14 days. Since the Indian embassy is located in Moscow, it would have been difficult for these tourists to travel for a visa.
Foreign tourist arrivals drop
PANJIM, JAN 12 The number of foreign tourists flying directly into Goa on charter flights has fallen by nearly 13 per cent this holiday season, according to the airport police. In 2007, 82,515 foreigners visited Goa by chartered and scheduled flights during the peak tourism period between September and December. This year that number was 71,918, a drop of nearly 13 per cent.
