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Goa Tourism woos American tourists

ETW Staff - Goa

The tourism minister of Goa, Francisco Xavier Pacheco addressing the gathering of travel and tour operators and the media during the ‘Goan Evening’ function held at Manhattan, New York. Also seen in the picture are the EDC chairman, Agnelo Fernandes, the chief secretary, J P Singh and the director of tourism, Arvind Loliyekar

Taking an independent and enterprising initiative, the Department of Tourism, Goa, organised a 'Goan Evening' in Manhattan, New York during the recent 'India at 60' celebrations which was held to promote India under the aegis of the ministry of tourism, Government of India, in association with the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) from September 23-26. The invitees were leading travel and tour operators from Manhattan, conducting business between India and New York.

The delegation from Goa was led by the tourism minister, Francisco Xavier Pacheco and comprised MLA and chairman of EDC, Agnelo Fernandes, chief secretary, J P Singh, and director of tourism, Arvind Loliyekar. Addressing the audience, the tourism minister said, "Goa may be India's smallest state, but it leaves the biggest and most indelible impression on tourists who visit the place. It is like a jewel in the crown that is India."

He added, "Tourism in Goa has diversified into many other areas. Goan culture offers a unique blend of East and West. From beach tourism, to heritage tourism, hinterland tourism, MICE, medical tourism, eco- tourism, and adventure tourism, Goa has it all."

Among the highlights of the 'Goan Evening' was an audio-visual presentation, which captured the essence of Goa and also spoke about the new tourism avenues the state was opening up to visitors. The presentation was followed by a live performance of local folk dances by a Goan troupe.

During the Q&A session, the American media posed queries on different aspects, especially on the possibility of direct charters coming from USA to Goa as well as on investment opportunities available in the state. The venue was bedecked to promote Goa as a brand, and with the help of visual cut-outs, a Goan ambience was created. The subsequent dinner menu included typical Goan dishes.

The Government of India also organised an exhibition at the picturesque Southwest Seaport, wherein a stall allotted to Goa Tourism, was designed to portray typical Goan elements and which drew maximum crowds among the various states participating in the event.