PANJIM: As part of its ongoing tourism marketing strategy, Goa government has offered young NRI Goans a special package in a bid to promote the coastal State’s cuisine, culture and other diversified attractions. A group of 13 NRI Goans settled in six different countries have been selected by the Goa government to take part in the “Know Goa” programme held annually.
On the first day of their visit to Goa, the Tourism department hosted a luncheon at O’Coqueiro which was followed by a sunset cruise on Mandovi River.
Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar said the initiative will help promote Goa as an international tourist destination. “In the recent past we have mounted tourism promotional campaign through proper branding strategy. We have introduced them to various aspects of Goa and our hospitality is essentially because they will further promote Goa among the countries where they reside now,” Parulekar told Herald.
NRI Commissioner Dr Wilfred Mesquita said the young NRI Goans will subsequently be taken on a North India trip accompanied by two NRI Commission officials. “The NRIs are in Goa for three days after which they will be taken on North India tour and thereafter they will return to their respective countries. We have appointed NRI Commission officials including the director to accompany them during the tour,” Mesquita said.
speaking to Herald. The NRIs have come from countries such as Australia, Canada, Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya.
The visitors met Goa Governor Mridula Sinha at Raj Bhavan on Tuesday.
NRI Goans are chosen by the government for the programme, every year while those who have participated in the “Know India” programme organized by the Centre and past “Know Goa” and India programmes are not allowed to re-avail of the programme.
The Government of Goa bears 90 percent of the total cost of the air ticket at lowest economy excursion fare from the country of origin to Goa and back, including places they visit in India. As per the terms and conditions laid down by the State, the participants are accommodated at Miramar Residency in deluxe rooms on twin sharing basis and provided breakfast, lunch and dinner. All expenses on lodging and boarding are borne by the government.
Each of them are paid Rs 150 each per day as pocket expenses and their final departure to their respective destinations is either from Delhi, Mumbai or Bangalore.
