the goan I network
VASCO
Groovy music from a traditional Goan brass band and roses from GTDC officials welcomed 218 Russian tourists arriving by the first charter flight of the tourism season on Friday.
The Royal Airways flight carrying 218 tourists and crew arrived at Dabolim airport at about 6.30 am
The Goa tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) had made special arrangements for the Russian passengers arriving by the first charter flight.
The tourists were given roses on arrival, while sweets were distributed at the reception terminal at the airport.
At the arrival terminal of the airport, the GTDC made arrangements to welcome the tourists in the Goan traditional way with a traditional brass band and music serenaders.
The Russian tourists seemed to enjoy the traditional Goan brass band and many were found grooving to the music and taking selfies. While many of them were first-time visitors to Goa, some others had been coming regularly to the State.
This year, the first charter flight was handled by Caper Travel Pvt Limited (CTPL), with its officials making necessary arrangements to provide Russian representatives for convenience of translation. Arrangements were also made to take the first lot of incoming tourists by coaches to different locations in Goa.
Speaking to reporters, Amar
Dhumatkar, president of Goa Charters at CTPL, said they were happy to bring in the first charter flight to Goa.
“This year, we decided to bring in flights earlier into the season. We have plans to get nine flights per week from Russia and ICS countries after October 16.”
“Our flight arrived with fullest capacity and we will bring in the next charter flight on October 11 with the same passenger count,” said Dhumatkar.
Anil Dalal, manager incharge of GTDC at Dabolim Airport, hoped that the tourism season ahead would be good.
“We are expecting a huge number of flights this season. We have welcomed passengers with a brass band and roses at the Airport. We look forward to a great season. The season has already begun and GTDC is geared up to ensure that tourists enjoy their vacation in Goa,” said Dalal.
