Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Oct 16: One of the foremost tourism industry expert in India feels that Goa is addictive and that is the reason why the state has no issues in getting repeat clientele.

“Goa is addictive and that is why a large number of tourists repeat their visits. Satisfied visitors are your best ambassadors,” said Pradip Madhavji, ex-chairman, Thomas Cook India.

Madhavji was delivering the key note address during the inaugural session of International Travel Mart (ITM) Goa 2010 which began here on Friday October 15.

Goa governor Dr S S Sidhu inaugurated the four-day event which has 200 delegates and 80 players from 12 countries participating in it.

He said that the availability of multilingual guides is a must for tourism destinations. “We need guides who know the Chinese language as tourists from China are expected to come in a big way to India,” Madhavji said.

The industry expert said, "Gone are the days when tourists used to visit for three to four weeks. Now they are here for seven to eight weeks,” he added.

Madhavji said that the tourism inflow will rise if issues related to visa are settled. “Issuing visa for travelers to India should be streamlined and made much faster,” he said.

The expert had a word of praise for the immigration facility at Mumbai international airport. He said that the facility is quickest in the world as the passenger is cleared within an average time of one minute.

“First impression is the last impression,” he said adding that hassle-free immigration is a good welcome for foreign tourists to India.

ITM-goa 2010 is a maiden international business-to-business travel and trade mart.

The event began at Campal in Panaji city tucked on the Mandovi river bank. Buyers from over twelve countries including Singapore, South Africa, Canada, UK, Italy, Poland, Russia, UAE, Thailand and Brazil are participating in the event.