TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Russian tourists will continue to dominate even as the tourism department is making trips to all parts of the world, officials opined today. However, with the economic slowdown in Russia hit by sanctions imposed on that country for meddling in Ukraine and support for the separatists, the expected growth might not be as expected.
The Tourism department has been eyeing a 10 per cent growth this year but with the downturn this might not be possible.
Tourists from Russia account for the highest number of foreign travellers in the beach state. Last year, Russian travellers accounted for 1.2 lakh, out of total five lakh foreign tourists in the state.
But there is an icing on the cake with Russian tour operators reiterating that most Russian tourists come back to India after their first visit.
Goa tourism officials say that they are also trying to push Goa not only as a beach destination but also as a family, heritage and sports destination.
However, for Russian tourists the main attraction is the beaches, Russian operators admit.
However, officials admit that the state needs to improve its infrastructure and point out that they have been pushing for that.
But officials express hope that people travelling to Goa, specially from Russia will not be affected by the crisis as those who want to come have already pre-booked their tickets.
They were speaking on the sidelines of a familiarization meet for Russian tour operators.
