Panaji, Nov 5 (IANS): Goa has seen a nearly 10 percent increase in the number of tourist arrivals in January to September period, a statement by Goa Tourism said.

The communique credits the increase in footfalls to the ongoing marketing, promotion efforts through public relations activities, road shows, campaigns, which include outdoor and social media, undertaken by Goa Tourism both in India and abroad.

While 12.44 lakh domestic tourists landed in Goa during the period from January to September in 2012, the number rose to 12.81 lakh in 2013, even though foreign tourist arrivals increased considerably, according to the statistics provided by the state tourism ministry.

"One of the significant trends that are suggested by these figures is that the concept of monsoon tourism is picking up amongst visitors," the statement said.

"This is a very encouraging sign and it only motivates us to put in more efforts to raise the bar and ensure that Goa is always the destination of choice among domestic and international tourists," says Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar.