‘Goa For All Seasons’

Goa is slowly emerging as a destination for not just beaches alone. Elvis Gomes, MD, Goa Tourism talks to Savio Rodrigues on the focus of Goa tourism and the state’s future plans

Goa is renowned internationally for its beaches, why is the government changing its focus from promoting its USP rather try something new?

Goa as a destination is not only endowed with beaches. There also exists avenues to enjoy culture, heritage and adventure. In its new focus to promote Goa, the government is also promoting the hinterland with its culture and villages. We have not stopped promoting Goa’s USP - the beaches, we are just highlighting the other USP’s of the state.

Don’t you think that if the Goa airport was developed into an international airport, the tourism industry in Goa will grow phenomenally?

The government has been working emphatically over the airport issue, however, we have not reached a favourable outcome yet, but, I am certain in a couple of months the issue will be resolved amicably and Goa will evolve into an international airport in the near future.

Tourism in Goa is plagued by malicious taxi drivers, shoddy beach shacks and rave parties. Isn’t is a bad portrayal for the true image of Goa?

Taxi drivers have been a concern for quite sometime now, nevertheless the government has intervened and the menace has been curbed. Even with regards to shoddy beach shack owners the government is trying to bring the business into the organised sector or curb them completely. As for the rave parties it is a phenomenon that happens in pocket areas only and it is certainly not the highlight of Goa tourism.

What is Goa tourism poised at when compared to other states with tourism potential?

Goa will always be an international tourist dream and that’s no exaggeration. This is mainly due to the perception that foreigners have of Goa, in most cases it is considered to be a different country. And right now the government is concentrated in promoting Goa as an all year round tourist destination.