Goa gets "budget conscious" tourists, says minister

Panaji, Mar 18 (PTI) The Goa government today said that the state has earned a reputation of being a "cheap tourist destination" attracting 'budget conscious' travellers. Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar told Goa Legislative Assembly today that the state is holding constant dialogue with the travel and tourism trade members in the state to identify preferred high spending tourist segments. "Over a period of time, Goa has earned a reputation of being a cheap and friendly tourist destination thereby attracting budget conscious travellers to the state," Parulekar told the Assembly on the first day of the month-long session. The government has decided to actively participate in roadshows and exhibitions abroad to promote Goa as a high-end tourism destination. Surveys are contemplated in key markets of west and east Europe to evaluate the trends, he said. Efforts are underway to promote Goa in new markets of far east, south east Asia, Australia, USA, New Zealand with special focus on those countries where outbound tourist figures are witnessing a good trend, the minister said. Parulekar also stressed for marinas (a dock or basin with moorings and supplies for yachts and small boats), golf course, theme parks, expo centres and others to attract high-end tourists. Official figures reveal that 4.5 lakh international tourists visited Goa in 2012 calendar year, of which highest were Russians followed by the UK travellers, he said. The nationals from Russia, Scandinavia, Germany and Switzerland account for highest spending travellers, the minister added. PTI RPS GK SG SNK