VASCO
The first batch of 159 international tourists were greeted with traditional music, roses and cake, on their arrival at the Dabolim airport on the first charter flight, Air Astana, from Almaty-Kazakhstan on Wednesday morning.
Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho was present at the airport to welcome the tourists to the State and a cake depicting Air Astana was cut after the arrival of the international guests.
Elaborate arrangements were made to transfer the passengers in various coaches to different locations in the State.
The tourists appeared happy with the traditional welcome and the playing of the Goan brass band. Some of them were found grooving to the music and even taking selfies.
Anupam Kumar of Caper Travels said they were happy to bring in the first charter to Goa and expected around 500 international passengers in three flights per week.
“We are exclusive partners with TUI Kazakhstan and we plan to get more flights so that the tourism industry in Goa can get a boost. We will get flights every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.”
“It is for the first time that Air Astana, which is the national carrier of Kazakhstan, has flown into Goa bringing for the first first people from Kazakhstan,” said Kumar.
Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho said the first charter was a great moment for Goa after a gap of two years amid the Covid pandemic.
“With the first charter flight arriving, it is only a matter of time before others follow suit and we have to also learn to live with the pandemic by following SOPs and government instructions,” said Godinho.
