Goa minister assures tourists of safety after UK advisory

Against the backdrop of an advisory issued by the UK government for its citizens visiting Goa, the Tourism department today said the coastal state was absolutely safe for tourists.
Referring to the death of a British woman in March this year in Goa, the advisory had asked people to be aware about the incidents of drinks being spiked.
However, state Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar said the coastal safe was a safe destination for both domestic as well as foreign students.
"Goa isa safe destination for foreign as well as domestic tourists. Thelaw of the landis strong enough to protect and safeguard the guests who are arriving here," the minister said in a statement.

He said various measures had been taken for the safety of tourists to ensure their "trouble-free" vacation.
The minister appealed to tourists to adhere to rules and against getting involved in any illegal activities.

"We are taking stock ofsafety and security measures for touristsat regular intervals considering the fact that tourist footfalls to Goaareincreasingevery year," the minister said.
Goa now receives six million tourists- both domestic and foreign--in comparison to 2006 when the footfall stood at twomillion.
The body of the 28-year-old British woman, who was allegedly raped and murdered, was found on a beach in south Goa's Canacona in March this year. A local history-sheeter was arrested in connection with the crime.