the goan I network
VASCO
Amid uncertainty over landing slots, the first charter flight of the tourism season arrived from Russia to Goa on Sunday.
The Jumbo Boeing 747 flight of Rossiya Airlines arrived at Dabolim Airport at 8.30 am with 519 passengers, including crew members.
The Goa Tourism Development Corporation had made special arrangements for the Russian passengers who arrived by the first charter flight.
The tourists were given roses upon arrival and sweets were distributed at the reception terminal at the airport. At the arrival terminal of the airport, GTDC had made arrangements to welcome the tourists in Goan traditional way with pomp and show with traditional brass band and music serenaders.
Russian tour operators, Biblio Globus and Concord Exotic Voyages (I) Pvt Ltd (CEVIPL), had made arrangements of 18 Russian reps for convenience of translation.
The Russian tourists, who arrived at Dabolim Airport, seemed to enjoy the traditional Goan brass band and many were found grooving and taking selfies. Some were first timers, while some had been coming regularly to Goa.
A passenger also handed over a rose that he got from GTDC to a lady constable on airport duty.
A female Russian passenger, who came for the first time to Goa, said she was very excited as she had heard a lot about Goa and it's serene beaches. "I have come along with a friend who had been a regular in Goa for many years and after listening to her I decided to come to Goa. I want to try delicious sea food in Goa," said the Russian tourist.
CEVIPL also made arrangements of 12 buses for taking the Russian tourists to various destinations of their choices.
Speaking to the media, CEVIPL vice-president Ismail Sheik said he was personally present in Russia last week to chart out personal and
Enjoy responsibly, follow laws, Ajgaonkar tells tourists
PANAJI: Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar urged tourists to maintain law of the land even as he welcomed the first Charter for the tourism season bringing in tourists from Russia to mark the beginning of the tourism season.
"I welcome the arrival of the first charter and wish all our tourism stakeholders and charter handling agencies a very successful season. I once again reiterate that even as Goa Tourism is very serious about ensuring the safety and security of all its tourists, I appeal to all our foreign and domestic guests to enjoy responsibly and to follow the laws of the land and all the Do's
