Panaji: Goa tourism will be eyeing emerging markets like the USA, South Korea, UAE, and other countries besides the traditional Russian and UK travelers for the next tourist season.
State Tourism Board which met under the chairmanship of chief minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Thursday finalized the calendar for events considering the emerging markets.
Briefing media persons about the meeting, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said that Goa has been traditionally depending on Russia and the UK for international footfalls.
“Looking at the reports, we have realized that the countries like the USA, South Korea and UAE are opening up for outbound travelers. This means we can expect tourists to come to Goa from these destinations. The focus has to be on FITs,” the minister said.
Khaunte said that the calendar for the travel shows and events for the upcoming tourism year was finalized during the Board meeting. The minister said that Goa has to project itself as a destination beyond beaches in these countries.
He recalled that the state tourism department has been promoting the festivals like Sao Joao, Chikal Khalo (mud festival), and others so that tourists can enjoy Goa beyond beaches.
Khaunte also said that the new international destinations have to be connected through the recently commissioned Manohar International Airport at Mopa. He stated that the Chief Minister and himself would be meeting Union Civil Aviation Minister to increase the flight connectivity to Mopa airport under Open Skies policy.
