Goa Looks to Woo New Markets at Global Trade Fairs as Tourist Inflow Rises
Panaji, Jul 17 (PTI) After an almost subdued season of international tourists due to the Russia-Ukraine war and some other factors, the government, said Minister Rohan Khaunte on Wednesday, will now look toward new and niche markets by attending international tourism fairs.
It has gone up to 450,000 tourists coming in from outside India this year, as against the lowest during COVID-19 of 33,000, Tourism Minister Khaunte said while replying to the state Assembly. Responding to a question by Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai, Khaunte said that the world’s perception towards tourism in Goa has changed post-pandemic. It no longer remains a concept associated merely with beaches.
He further said that an expenditure of Rs 63 crore was incurred by the State of Goa in the last four years towards various events, including Rs 29.84 crore for domestic promotion. Further, he drew attention to the fact that former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had emphasised pre-audit for roadshows and accountability measures.
Khaunte said the tourism department had taken a call in 2022 to rebrand Goa as “beyond beaches,” as its image earlier was associated only with the beaches of the coastal state and its nightlife.
“Since 2021-22, with the leadership of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the Goa Tourism Board has aligned itself towards emerging markets and new opportunities,” he said.
According to him, the troubles in the UK market, the conflict in Russia, and the military campaign in Gaza have affected the inflow of tourists from these places.
To arrest this fall, Goa looks at newer markets— Southeast Asia, South Asia, the US, UAE, and Germany.
The state tourism department has participated in mega events like the World Travel Mart in London, ITB Berlin, and IITF, among others, to showcase Goa to the international community and establish contacts with operators from these new source markets.
During these events, serious B2B and B2C meetings are held, for which an empowered committee reviews minutes to decide on the next course of action.
