State endeavours to attract 4.2 million tourists in 2014 (Herald)

December 29, 2013 TEAM HERALD PANJIM: State Tourism Minister is expecting to attract nearly 4.2 million tourists, both international as well as domestic to the coastal hot-spot of Goa for the year 2013-14. Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar said that the State saw nearly 3.8 million tourists visiting last year, which is 5 per cent more compared to the previous year. “This year we are looking for 10 per cent increase in the tourist arrival. The figures we are hoping is 4.2 million tourists,” he said. Parulekar said that Goa has enough infrastructure and entertainment to attract worldwide tourists. Minister was speaking to media persons at the inaugural of three-day India Travel Mart (ITM). Parulekar said that the ongoing marketing promotion efforts undertaken by Goa Tourism both in India and abroad will help in increasing the footfalls. Parulekar said that during the month of December itself, Goa will register five lakh tourists. Steps taken by the State government such as introduction of water sports, enhanced security on beaches, improvement in infrastructure, is paying off, he said. ITM organized at Don Bosco has showcased tourist destinations like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Himachal. There are a total 35 stalls. In a press communication, ITM director Ajay Gupta said that the basic purpose of holding this event is to boost tourism awareness worldwide. “Goa is a perfect and ideal holiday destination in India as such the ITM will help the tourists in Goa to look forward for different places and explore India more,” he said. http://heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/State-endeavours-to-attract-4-2-million-tourists-in-2014/83663.html