Panaji, Jan 24 (TNN): The number of foreign tourists visiting Goa though increased during the last three years - tourist visits from its conventional markets, particularly European countries dwindled. However, 2013 saw a surge in the number of tourists coming from European countries as well.

Dilip Parulekar, minister for tourism said Goa received more tourists from key UK market in 2013. This growth is 12 % over 2012.

A 1.45 lakh tourists from UK visited Goa in 2013 compared to 1.19 lakh in 2012.

Similarly, the number of tourists from other European countries like Germany, Finland, Switzerland and France, went up in 2013.

The industry observers say high taxation and recession kept away European tourists from Goa in the last few years. When travelers from West turned their back on Goa - Russians started coming to Goa in a big way. Every year, there has been rise in their number.

In 2012, Goa received 1,40,100 whereas in 2013, the number went up to 1,62,746.

Overall, international tourist arrivals to Goa went up by 9.27 % from the previous year.