Porvorim: Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte told the House that the state is looking forward for emerging and new markets due to crisis in the UK and Ukraine-Russia war.
Responding to a question raised by Goa Forward party MLA Vijai Sardesai on the floor of the House, Khaunte said that after COVID-19 pandemic, the perception about tourism in Goa is being changed, taking it away from beaches.
Sardesai had pointed out that the state had spent Rs 63 crore during last four years including Rs 29.84 crore to promote Goa within India.
He pointed out that former chief minister Late Manohar Parrikar had emphasised for pre-audit of the roadshows and accountability parameters should be framed.
Khaunte said that after COVID-19 pandemic, in the year 2022, the department decided that change the perception of Goa Beyond beaches as earlier to that the impression about the coastal state was only about beaches, party-life.
“We needed to see that quality of people need to come in. Since the year 2021-22, Goa tourism board headed by CM Pramod Sawant discussed about the emerging markets and tapping of new markets,” he said.
Khaunte said that problems with UK market and Russia war impacted international tourism to a big extend. He said that the Israel war also resulted in decrease of tourists from that country.
We had to ensure that we tap emerging markets like South East Asia, South Asia, the USA, UAE and Germany. Khaunte said that the state tourism department to participate in the WTM (World Travel Mart) London, ITB, Berlin, IITF and other events.
“We are presenting ourselves to the world through these events where the players from emerging markets also come,” he said.
The minister said that earlier only Goa used to participate in these events but now states like Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka are attending the international marts.
“During the event, we have serious meetings with the trade on B2B and B2C meetings. The minutes are placed before empowered committee before we decide the next course of action,” he said.
Khaunte said that during COVID-19, the international footfalls were only 33,000 which has now increased to 4.5 lakh for this particular year (calendar year).
