Goa, World’s Most Relaxed Spot, to Promote Monsoon Tourism

Goa has been voted as the most valued and relaxed tourist destination of the world by the readers of ‘Lonely Planet’. Also, plans are in place to boost low season tourism for higher footfall of domestic as well as global tourists taking flights to India.

Goa, India’s beach paradise, has swept away the award for the most valued and relaxed tourist destination of the world.

The smallest Indian state that is known for its beaches and unique architecture has seemingly etched an impression on the hearts and minds of the readers of ‘Lonely Planet’ who voted for Goa as the ‘Best Value Destination in India’ and the ‘Best Destination For Relaxation’.

Lonely Planet Magazine is renowned globally and it came up with Lonely Planet magazine India Travel awards for the first time. The awards recognize and celebrate those who provide the best travel experiences in the country.

Goa Director Tourism Swapnil Naik showed his contentment over receiving the prestigious award and said: “Goa is making continuous efforts to encourage a steady tourist inflow and keeping our guests happy through unforgettable experiences. We are really honoured that Goa has been voted as the best destination for relaxation as well as the best value destination in the country.”

Goa has always been a popular holiday destination that beguiles international travellers to plan air travel and look for airlines offering tickets on cheap flights to India. The state contradicts the conservative image of India and stuns with its inescapable holiday trappings, the remarkable beaches being its supreme draw. Be it extravagant travellers or budget conscious holidaymakers seeking airlines with cheap flights to India, Goa remains a highly rewarding Indian beach haven.

Goa Authorities Plans to Promote Monsoon Tourism

Not willing to rest on the laurels, Goan authorities are pulling out all stops to ensure that the state remains the finest holiday option during all times of the year. The State Government of Goa is now planning to promote the destination for travel during monsoons. It aims to use the state’s waterfalls across the Western Ghat hills, verdant forests and inland waterways as the key monsoon season lures.

Generally, due to rough sea during monsoons, tourists are advised to stay away from beaches. International tourists who arrive in Goa on flights to India, start leaving during monsoon season which leads to the lean season for Goa when the state is dependant largely on the domestic tourists.

Mr Dilip Parulekar, the State Tourism Minister said, “We want to change the concept that Goa is only for beaches. We have a variety of destinations to offer travellers.”

“Domestic tourists love to be with nature. We will provide them all the facilities so that they have a reason to arrive in Goa,” he added further.

Figures from Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) indicate that the hotel occupancy in the state was around 60 per cent during the last lean season. It is expected that different initiatives of the authorities might help in raising the number of domestic travellers planning holiday tours as well as international tourists taking Goa-bound flights to India this year.