Goa to promote 'raindrop tourism'

The Goa tourism department is all set to sell and promote 'raindrop tourism' during the monsoon season, instead of 'beach tourism' which is otherwise, the highlight of this beautiful coastal state, famous for its sandy beaches.

"In monsoons, the sea is rough. We discourage visitors from going to the beaches and instead we draw their attention to the lush green hinterland," Tourism Minister Fransisco Pacheco said.

Goa is tucked between western mountain ranges and the sea. The state, which attracted 24 lakh visitors for the calendar year 2005-06, has considerable number of tourists flocking into its borders to enjoy rains.

Depending on the last year's statistics, the state tourism department expects around five lakh tourists to visit the state during the shower season. "Every month is a tourist season. We have lots to offer and we are harping on it," Pacheco said.

"Average occupancy in any of the Goan hotel during monsoons is hovering around 60 per cent," Director Tourism Sandip Jacques said.

"Eco resorts have sprung up in Goa's hinterland adding a new type of accommodation option "" small retreats in spice plantations and the jungles. Some even provide eco huts to stay in," he added.

The monsoon festivals, which are an integral part of the Goa's social life, is also packaged by various hotels to attract tourists. "San Joao, a festival celebrated honouring St John De Baptista, is loved by many guests. Besides, the boat festival called 'Sangod' is also being marketed," he said.

"Goan heritage lives on, even today, in its wonderful old heritage homes and forts. In fact, now you can even stay at some of these homes which have been converted, quite painstakingly, into quality hotels," Jacques stated.

The state tourism industry is also innovating concepts to promote honeymoon tourism in the state which includes isolated boat rooms and resorts offering complete privacy to the couples.

"The response is encouraging during monsoons and we are hopeful that the tourism industry will be booming away from the beach tourism to raindrop tourism," he said.

"The state tourism department is also attempting to promote Goa as a meeting, incentive, conferences and exhibition destination. The star hotels have floated packages for the corporates and they are a big hit," the Director added.

Goa's aggressive marketing and campaign as a 365-day destination has helped the state to do away with the concept of tourist season.

The statistics available during last three years reveals that around four lakh tourists visit Goa during monsoons which also includes foreigners. The year 2006 saw total 24.79 lakh tourists of which 4,37,767 domestic and 19,121 foreigners visited during monsoons.

Also, in the year 2005, 4.20 lakh domestic and 16,205 foreign tourists arrived when it was raining.