from daijiworld's special correspondent in Panaji

Panaji, Feb 9: Portugal is keen to expand and strengthen its ties with Goa through tourism initiatives, as three major travel and tour companies from the European country have shown interest to invest in the state.

"We have 450 years of link and a natural relationship with Goa," Lisbon Tourism Association Chairman Carlos Fontao De Carvalho told reporters on the sidelines of the 'Euroindia Forum' conference, which began here yesterday.

"Three leading tourism groups from Portugal are interested to invest in Goa," Carvalho said. Portugal is focussing to make capital Lisbon a tourist hub and also wants to share initiatives in this regard with Goa, he added.

Hotel groups - Pestena and Amorin - have evinced interest to invest in Goa through hotels and resorts. The two entities are tourism leaders in Latin America, Brazil besides Portugal, Carvalho said, adding the Portuguese companies look at Goa as an important link for their investment in India.

However, Carvalho did not disclose the name of the third company.

Portugal's initiatives come close on the heels of recent visit of their President Anibel Cavaco Da silva to India to foster ties, including in the tourism sector. The President, accompanied by a business delegation, had visited Goa where the team members interacted with local business leaders.

The conference has brought together business leaders and think-tanks from Europe and India. The meet is providing a platform to experts from the developed Europe and rapidly developing India to share and learn from each others' experience in various fields.