Goa is looking at a 12 per cent increase in tourist arrivals this year.

The State, which in 2013 generated around ₹10,000 crore from tourism related activities, believes that it can grow much faster than the average 4-6 per cent tourism growth in other states and has taken a slew of measures to achieve the said objective.

Nikhil Desai, Managing Director of Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) said the State is taking measures to go beyond the fact that Goa is only a destination for beaches.

Honeymoon destination

“We are focusing on Portuguese architecture, religious monuments such as old temples, churches and mosques, in addition to the fact that it can be a honeymoon destination,” he said. The State is also hoping to piggyback on the health and wellness tourism, which its neighbour Kerala has so successfully managed in attracting tourists.

“We have Yoga and wellness-related activities which will be another reason for tourists to come,” said Desai.

Further, the department has chalked out new adventure-related activities such as seaplanes, hot air balloon tourism and packaged tours.

The State is also betting big on being a destination with various cuisine options. “Any kind of food -- from Portugese to Middle eastern cuisine is available,” says Desai.

Clean beaches

Touching upon the fact that Goa is safe for women tourists, Desai pointed to women-driven taxis who have been on the increase and have met with a positive response. The department's initiative to keep the beaches clean is another move to attract more tourists.

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