The Goa tourism industry is all set to sell raindrops to visitors, who usually flock this beach destination for its sun, sand and surf and stay away during monsoons.

State tourism director Nikhil Desai said the department would hold roadshows and publicity campaigns across eight states from mid-June onwards to invite domestic tourists in Goa while it rains.

“The private and state-run hotels have offered special packages for the season. Goa is at its best during this time of the year,” he said.

The state-run Goa Tourism Development Corporation has launched several new attractions like white water rafting in the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, he said.

Monsoon sets in in Goa around June 4.

Desai said that every possible means is being explored to attract tourists, right from holding campaigns to use of social networking websites.

The tourism department has launched special contests on Facebook, where winners are offered packages in Goa.

“The state is also promoted as monsoon wedding destination and for MICE (meetings, incentives, conference and exhibition) tourism,” the director said.

While average room occupancy remains 60 per cent in the State during monsoons, as beach shacks are removed due to gusty winds as well as unfavourable weather conditions on the shores, private players are expecting big footfalls from West Asian countries during this season.

“The heat is maximum during this time in Arab countries.

Goa is the best place for them to visit in rains,” Ralf D’Souza, spokesman, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa, said.

A group of 12 tour operators from the UAE had visited Goa recently, D’Souza said, adding that tourism from West Asia is looking upward this season.

Goa attracts 2.6 million tourists every year but tourism is down during rains when chartered flights don’t fly in the State.

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