MinisterTalk
Q What kind of growth are you expecting this year?
Goa used to be seasonal but now it is a 365-day destination. People come down to enjoy Goa even during the monsoons. Last year, we had around 1,223 chartered flights to Goa and the official tourist figures touched 5.5 million. This year, we are expecting more than seven million tourists. I urge all the travel agents and tour operators to extend their support to us for this.
Q How much will eTV contribute to Goa tourism?
The Central government has now issued the eTV for many countries and Goa airport is included in that list. Almost 20,000 people have arrived in Goa on eTV since November 2014. So this year we are expecting almost 50,000 people to come using e-visas.
Q What new products can agents sell this season?
Goa has generally been popular for its beaches but there have been a lot of efforts since the last three years to come up with innovative ideas to develop newer products. We now have international standard infrastructure for tourists. We have provided tourist facilities like toilets, changing rooms, beach cleaning systems, etc along the coastline. We have also women taxi drivers for women tourists. By 2016, Goa will start activities like hot-air ballooning, amphibious vessels, seaplanes, ropeways, scuba diving, heritage boat cruises, and several adventure sports rides.