300 additional charters expected this season (Herald)

September 26, 2013 TEAM HERALD PANJIM: Goa is expecting to break previous records in the ensuing tourist season by attracting 50 per cent increase in charters between October 2013 and April 2014. While Goa saw charters crossing the 1000 mark in the season ended May 2013 with 1025 flights, the tourism ministry is expecting 1400 charters in the new season 2013-14. “A minimum of 300 additional flights are expected from Russia alone bringing in 30,000 passengers,” said Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar at a press conference Wednesday. Parulekar said that during his recent visit to Moscow for the travel mart, he met with leading charter operators who have furnished data that indicates a big surge in charter arrivals from Russia. Other leading airlines are also expected to bring tourists from Amsterdam, Mongolia, Poland, Syria and Egypt. The tourism department is also expecting the annual tourist arrivals both domestic and foreign to increase in a big way. Replying to queries on issues irking the Dabolim airport especially since tourists are likely to descend in large numbers, Parulekar said, “There is a meeting scheduled next week to be chaired by the chief minister and stakeholders and the airport authorities to sort out all the issues, including parking.” Tourism activities during Lusufonia games: The tourism department also disclosed that it would be deliberating with the sports department on organising tourism related activities during the Lusofonia Games to be held in Goa next year. “The Travel and Tourism Association of Goa had been discussing this aspect with us and wanted that tourism activities should be held in January-February next year,” Parulekar said pointing out that the postponement of the Games from November to January now gives an opportunity to the tourism department to conduct activities after the December peak tourism season. The tourism minister also responded to a host of other issues raised by the media. Shack policy: Regarding the Shack Policy 2013-16, Parulekar said that if the shack operators proceeded to file cases in court against the shack policy it would only result in a delay in commencement of shack operations for the season. He said, “When we decided to go for the allotment process based on 90:10 formula it was after seeking legal opinion.” Water safety services tenders: The tourism department is expecting to finalise the beach safety tenders by October end and have an agency in place by November 1. Brand ambassador: "Goa does not need Indian celebrities as brand ambassadors," said Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar while addressing the press meet. Parulekar said that the name Goa is itself a brand and anywhere in the world Goa is the first choice. He said that some agencies had floated names of Indian celebrities as Goa's Brand Ambassador. "We are not keen on this," said Parulekar adding that the tourism department is still in the process of finalising several aspects regarding the Brand Goa consultancy. Golf courses: The tourism minister also endorsed the need for golf courses in Goa stating that issues concerning usage of water for such a high-end tourism activity can be resolved through alternatives. Replying to this Chairman of GTDC said, “If we have to attract high end tourists we need golf courses.” Since the proposed golf course at Tiracol is near the sea he said options could be explored of using sea water and converting it to usable water with the help of technology. Cabral said that the golf course project will also have its own treatment plants and re-cycle water to meet its requirements. The GTDC is also looking at options of water harvesting at its residencies within the next two years. The tourism department also said that stakeholders should join hands in working out mechanisms for conservation of water. The name ‘Goa’ itself is a brand and Goa is the first choice anywhere in the world. Some agencies floated names of Indian celebrities as Goa's Brand Ambassador, but we are not keen on that, said Parulekar http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/300-additional-charters-expected-this-season/79921.html