September 2016: Goa Tourism and Goa Tourism Development Corporation are extremely happy to be participating in the upcoming OTDYKH Leisure 2016 in Moscow. Year after year, Goa Tourism showcases new initiatives and activities at international tourism events. Goa Tourism is looking forward to unveiling an all new portfolio and is confident of evoking an overwhelming response from the tourism travel and trade operators who assemble in Moscow from across the globe.
Some of the New initiatives that Goa Tourism will be showcasing at OTDYKH are as follows:
E-Commerce Portal and Mobile App
Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has launched its all new E-Commerce Portal and Mobile Application on android and iOS providing tourists a digital platform for planning their holidays to Goa and to book experiences unique to Goa. This is the first venture of its kind to be launched by a Tourism Board in India.
The platform will allow a tourist to book hotels, bed and breakfast units, heritage homes, local transportation, activities like helicopter rides, scuba diving, hot air balloon rides, jungle experiences, to name a few directly from www.goa-tourism.com or via the Mobile Application www.goa-tourism.com/GTDC-holidays/gtdc-app-download.htm
There is extensive curated information on the history and culture of Goa. Also, detailed information on numerous tourist points of interest like beaches and backwaters, churches and temples, nature reserves where one can see the splendid flora and fauna of Goa.
All of the above is at the click of a single button. If one needs assistance in planning a holiday to Goa, they can reach out to the call centre on reservations@goa-tourism.co.in
Adventure Tourism
Goa Tourism has given adventure tourism a new dimension. Through the GTDC, new adventure activities have been introduced in Goa and are providing tourists an all new experience of Goa’s natural beauty from the skies. Both Hot Air Balloons and Helicopter Rides have lifted the profile of Goa Tourism to great heights. These two activities have added excitement to holidaying in Goa.
In the coming season, tourists can look forward to new activities like duck boat rides, paragliding, motorized paragliding, bungee jumping, hop-on hop-off services, horse riding, segway tours, seaplanes and more. Goa Tourism is also introducing rope ways from Reis Magos to Panjim which will provide an all new experience to tourists visiting the State .
Avi Tourism
Goa is a hot spot for ornithologists and birders from India and across the globe. Its wetlands and water bodies offer a treat for bird lovers from October to February where migratory birds and resident birds of the State flock to these sites.
Goa Tourism has also given new wings to Avi Tourism in Goa with the launch of the first-of-its kind book on ‘Birds of Goa’.
‘Birds of Goa’ is a ground breaking photographic field guide to the birds found in the State of Goa.
GTDC has tied up with Bird Institute of Goa to compile this book that covers the entire 400 odd species of birds found in Goa and distinct sub-species. Goa has an amazing bird diversity boasting of almost 400 bird species and the book has them all. The concise text provides vital information on the plumages, voice and habits of each species covered and includes new information. Several related species are also mentioned in the texts. This book will enable accurate field identification in one of the world’s most diverse avifaunal regions. The book is authored by Bikram Grewal and Savio Fonseca.
In addition to the book, GTDC is also offering tourists bird trails in association with the Bird Institute of Goa and in the weeks to come, bird guides will also be provided on bird trails.
Other initiatives
Wedding Tourism:
While marriages are made in heaven, Goa Tourism is ensuring that the celebrations deserve a place no less. The tiny State has become a favourite location for weddings and wedding celebrations. With excellent air, road and rail connectivity, wide range of hotels, cuisine, entertainers and a lot more, Wedding tourism in Goa has caught on in a big way. Beach weddings are also getting very popular and the single window system introduced facilitates conduct of such memorable occasions.
The State has bagged several awards as a leading Wedding and Honeymoon Destination all through 2015 starting with the ITB Berlim PATWA award and many others. Goa’s offerings for Wedding tourism are umpteen and tempting.
Festivals and Events:
One of Goa’s major tourist draws are festivals and events that are organized from October till May. Goa Tourism takes the opportunity to showcase how the tiny State has diverse cultures, folklore, food and festivities.
Goa Tourism promotes the annual religious festivals of Ganesh Chaturti, Diwali, Tripurari Boat festival, Christmas and annual events like Carnaval, Shigmo, Grape Escapade — Asia’s biggest Wine festival, Food and Cultural Festival, Heritage festival, International Film Festival India (IFFI), New Year’s eve and many others. Almost every season has a reason for tourists to visit Goa. Even monsoon tourism and festivals held during June-September are promoted in a big way.
Goa Tourism also supports two Electronic Dance Music Festivals Sunburn and Supersonic. These events are a major draw for tourists to the State of Goa.
Other facets:
Goa is also a favourite destination for sports events and competitions and major sporting events are being organized in the State. Good infrastructure and other supporting facilities has made Goa not only a top destination for football but also other activities like swimming, marathons, sailing, beach volleyball etc.
Goa is also popular for film tourism and several Hollywood and Bollywood films are being shot in Goa. Likewsie eco tourism, fashion tourism, heritage tourism, medical tourism, leisure tourism are some of the other facets that the State is popular for.
E-Tourist Visa facility:
The E-Tourist Visa facility (ETV) launched by the central government in December 2014 has proven to be a big boon for Goa. More than one lakh ETVs have been issued so far at the Goa airport.
Safety and Security of tourists:
Goa Tourism has never left a stone unturned when it comes to safety and security of tourists. The water and beach patrol with 676 life guards and an addition 117 personnel on beach patrol till midnight, tourist police to crack the whip on touting, and the women taxi service — an exclusive service for women tourists and women passengers reassures tourists visiting Goa that Goa tourism has not compromised on the safety cover for tourists visiting the State. Goa is also a safe destination for night life and this has been endorsed by none less than National Geographic in its listing of the Top 10 Best Nightlife Cities in the World where Goa figures Sixth on the list.
Beach Cleaning initiatives:
Goa Tourism is proud to announce to the world that it has five of the best beaches among 25 endorsed by Trip Advisor at the Best of 2015 Awards. Goa also has 11 of India’s 25 best beaches, again in Trip Advisors Best of 2015 Awards. In 2016 too, Goa’s beaches figured in the TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards as the best in the World, Asia and India.
Goa Tourism showcases to the world its clean beaches emanating from the Comprehensive Beach Cleaning Management Plan and other Clean Beach Initiatives. The scientific mechanisms introduced for collection, segregation and disposal is showing good results. The Whatsapp initiative is also working well.
Goa is a truly 365 day holiday destination.
It’s scenic beauty is matchless, its local population hospitable and culture and cuisine- simply awesome.
The best way to enjoy Goa is to visit and experience it.
Also follow Goa Tourism on Facebook (officialgoatourism), Twitter (@tourismgoa) and Instagram.
Or log in to Goa Tourism websites: goa-tourism.com and goatourism.gov.in.
22.08.2016