In a bid to promote Goa as a destination during the monsoons and after, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) will be taking part in the travel and trade fair at Kolkata (July 11), the International Travel Mart at Bengaluru (July 18) and another trade fair in Ahmedabad (July 31). This move by the government and industry comes at a time when hotels have already reduced their room rates, but yet failed to attract a large number of tourists. GTDC presently has an average of 60 per cent occupancy at its coastal residencies in Calangute, Miramar, Panaji and Colva. Most of the tourists are from North India, Kolkata and the North East. “We have been getting tourists due to conducive climate in Goa during the monsoons. It’s cooler here in the rains,” said Benjamin Braganza, Managing Director, GTDC.
Ralph de Sousa, President, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) said that many smaller hotels on Goa’s coastal belt had kept a few rooms available for guests, but there were hardly any tourists. “What numbers we are getting at present are not enough. People are tightening their belts and not travelling much. Therefore to cash in on the abundant rainfall Goa has received the state government and tourism industry will also launch a massive campaign across the country, especially the dry North India and Western India, to attract tourists to the state to enjoy Goa during the monsoons,” he said.
While North and West India is experiencing heat, Goa received rainfall of 1553 mm till date. TTAG has approached the state government to step up its drive to promote the state in the Indian tourism market. “The TTAG submitted two suggestions which were accepted by the government. One is the re-commencement of the Goa 365 days’ tourism campaign, which was catchy and successful. The second suggestion is to promote Goa through advertisements in travel magazines and newspapers. These measures can be implemented in markets which are Goa-friendly,” added de Sousa. He added that the tourism department has also suggested campaigns on FM radio stations in metros across India in the form of jingles and advertisements. The government and the industry have been working together on these measures, which should be implemented soon.
Swapnil Naik, Tourism Director, Goa said that the campaigns are almost ready, however, his department was awaiting its allocation in the budget. “After we know the budget allocation, we intend to run all three proposals in an integrated campaign,” added Naik.
Courtesy: hospitality
