PANAJI
In a bid to attract a wider range of tourists and reduce dependency on traditional source markets, particularly the UK and Russia, the State has mooted a plan to enhance tourism connections with various tourist-popular hubs across India.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said the government is working towards transforming the perception of Goa from a mere sun, sand and sea destination to a diverse hub of wellness, yoga, spirituality, and hinterland experiences. As a part of this initiative, the government has decided to tie up with states consisting of popular locations like Kashi (Varanasi), Amritsar (known for Golden Temple), Guwahati, Nagpur, Nashik, and others.
“We need to start looking at it differently,” he said, while talking about taking forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Dekho Apna Desh scheme which aims at promoting tourism and encouraging people to explore the rich cultural heritage and diversity of India.
“We need to connect and ensure bilateral understanding between two states and look at emerging markets. Several international tourists who go to spiritual places don’t come down to Goa and hence, we lose these tourists. The MoU between Goa and these sister states will ensure the exchange of culture and tradition,” he said. The State government will soon begin talks with its counterparts to take the mission forward, Khaunte added.
Direct flights are also part of a larger strategy to diversify the tourism market and attract tourists from new markets across India and the world.
With Goa known as the land of The Legendary Lord Parshuram, Khaunte recommended hiring a consultant to design an iconic structure symbolizing an arrow and a bow directed toward the sea. The choice stems from the historical significance of the weapon in relation to the creation of Goa and the location chosen is Mandrem.
