Team Herald
PANJIM: The large number of tourists, particularly domestic travellers, in the summer has boosted hopes in the tourism industry of a bright monsoon.
Tourism department has already begun promoting traditional monsoon festivals and trekking expeditions besides other adventure trips in the hinterland to attract tourists. The State, Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar said, witnesses an impressive growth in tourist arrivals during the off-season too.
“Unlike the last few years, tourist footfalls are increasing during the summer and rainy season. Although majority comprise of domestic tourists, it is a healthy sign for the tourism industry in Goa,” he said.
The minister claimed that weekends are full and hotels, including Goa Tourism Development Corporation-run residencies, have over 70 percent occupancy.
To increase the State’s popularity during the off-season, the department is marketing events often ignored from the tourism point of view. “We want to showcase that Goa hosts different festivals not only during the tourist season, but off-season too. We are promoting trekking expeditions and traditional festivals. There are more to come,” the minister added.
Monsoon trekking began last weekend, while the State is gearing up to celebrate ‘Sao Joao’ on June 24. This festival is a big draw for tourists to Goa.
