By Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Mar 28: State Tourism Ministry has said that it has adopted adequate steps to attract upper class tourists to the coastal state.
“Government is upgrading the existing tourist infrastructure facilities in the state such as accommodation and transport,” Tourism Minister Fransisco Pacheco has said in the reply tabled on the floor of the house in the recently concluded state legislative assembly session.
Pacheco said that proposals are worked out to provide recreational and entertainment facilities required for prolonging the stay of upper class tourists.
“The proposals like setting up of convention centre, oceanarium and other are under active consideration of the government,” the minister said.
“In addition to this, it is proposed to give emphasis on the promotion of eco tourism and adventure tourism in the state for attracting the upper class tourists,” he added.
The state government figures revealed that in the financial year 2006-07, 24,88,656 tourists arrived in the state while next year, 2007-08, the number went on to 25,60,566.
The year 2008-09, till December 31, 2008 saw 17,75,906 tourists holidaying in Goa, known for the sandy beaches.
The tourism minister conceded that there is a decline in the tourist inflow this year. “It is assumed that the decline is due to recession in the world market and terror attack in Mumbai in November 2008,” he said.
Pacheco said that the state is emphasizing on the creation and upgradation of infrastructural facilities for the tourists. “Extension of Dabolim airport costing of Rs 325 crore and the proposed construction of International Airport at Mopa in Pernem taluka would help in the increase of charter and other tourist flights to the state from various countries of the world,” he said.
The minister also said that the department also intends to intensify its publicity campaign by exploiting the facilities in electronic and other media abroad and in India so as to attract the attention of upper class tourists.