Goa's hot on tourist radar
Goa tourism is on a roll with tourism numbers hitting an all-time high.
By Smitha Venkateswaran, TNN |
MUMBAI: Goa tourism is on a roll with tourism numbers hitting an all-time high. Tourist numbers hit an all-time high with 22 lakh people visiting the state in the October ’05 to May ’06 period, a 30% increase over the previous year. Unlike in the past, more Indians were among the visitors who come to the state for a quick break. About 18 lakh visitors were Indians. Over the years, Goa has also grown as the hot destination for the monsoons. Even the corporate sector has always found Goa’s rains lucrative for business conferences. And for, families, college-goers and young couples, it’s an ideal season for holidays or weddings.
The state, perhaps, to compete directly with Kerala, the state also offers spa and massages — like an Ayurvedic massage on the beach or tai-chi at salons. For these reasons and more, Goa is also an ideal weekend break even during off-season, travel industry sources say. “Prices are 20% lower during monsoons, offering more value for money,” says Fatima D’sa, chairman of the Goa Tourism Development Corp. The organisation is hosting many tourism-related events like the ‘Monsoon Treasure Hunt’ and ‘Waterfall treks,’ besides planning Goa’s first weekend cruise boat that will sail to tourist destinations in Maharashtra like Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri.
Most hotels currently have a 80% occupancy with their ‘special value for money packages’. According to Neeraj Chadha, GM, Goa Marriott Resort, the trend is to deliver personalised experiences with special targeted market plans.
The state, perhaps, to compete directly with Kerala, the state also offers spa and massages — like an Ayurvedic massage on the beach or tai-chi at salons. For these reasons and more, Goa is also an ideal weekend break even during off-season, travel industry sources say. “Prices are 20% lower during monsoons, offering more value for money,” says Fatima D’sa, chairman of the Goa Tourism Development Corp. The organisation is hosting many tourism-related events like the ‘Monsoon Treasure Hunt’ and ‘Waterfall treks,’ besides planning Goa’s first weekend cruise boat that will sail to tourist destinations in Maharashtra like Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri.
Most hotels currently have a 80% occupancy with their ‘special value for money packages’. According to Neeraj Chadha, GM, Goa Marriott Resort, the trend is to deliver personalised experiences with special targeted market plans.
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