Over 2.5 lakh tourists expected to arrive in Goa for Carnival

PANAJI: Goa will attract over 2.5 lakh tourists during the annual Carnival festivities, a senior officer said today.

"More than 2.5 lakh tourists are expected to arrive to witness the colourful Carnival parades scheduled in various cities", state Tourism Director Nikhil Desai told PTI.

The Carnival will be held from March 1-5 in the main cities of the coastal state, beginning with a float parade in the state Capital.

"The occupancy in various hotels across the state is high. People have booked their tickets to participate in this festival," Desai said.

The float parade organised by the state tourism department is led by King Momo, a ceremonial figure who proclaims the decree of eat, drink and merry during the Carnival days.