What makes Goa a Perfect Holiday Destination

Goa, a tiny emerald land on the West Coast of India, with its natural scenic beauty, abundant greenery, attractive beaches and temples and churches with distinctive style of architecture, colorful and lively feasts and festivities, above all hospitable people with a rich cultural has an ideal tourist profile. The main asset that comprises the high profile product is Goa's 105 kms coastline studded with 29 beaches lined by golden sand, a natural harbour, large network of inland waterways, century old temples and churches, renowned for worship and pilgrimage, cultural diversity that has no parallel in the world. The greatness of Goa perhaps lies in its smallness with roots firmly entrenched into the hoary past with richly built heritage. In terms of tourist attractions too, Goa's offerings are superb with their traditions of hospitability, varied lifestyles, cultural heritage and colorful fairs.

As the tourism industry has emerged as a major economic activity, contributing substantially to the Government revenue besides, providing employment directly or indirectly to a large segment of its population, the tourism industry enjoys priority in Government planning and schemes. A large budgetary allocation is made for servicing of hospitability industry. This has lead to creation of major infrastructural facilities, both in public and private sector which has also proved beneficial to local population. With Goa providing investment-friendly environment, a lot of infrastructural developments in private sector are expected to cater to expanding tourism industry.

Although, tourism industry is the fastest growing industry in the world, it is very very competitive. The success of the tourism industry in any country is strictly linked to its destination profile and marketing and promotion strategy adopted. The success of tourism in Goa is largely due to the marketing strategy adopted by the Government and the Private Sector through participation in tourism related events in India and abroad and by organizing road shows/presentations in major cities of India. In addition, the Department has launched its campaign through electronic media, satellite, TV channels along with private media and most important by launching its own websites. One of the reasons that Goa has succeeded in attracting large number of tourists both domestic and international is due to the fact that Goa is perceived as a small tourist paradise. Amongst large number of tourist destinations and innumerable choices available, it is a clean, beautiful place, has no overpopulation, no slums, no poverty, no beggars, no law and order problem, no pollution and most important hospitable and peaceful people which are the essential ingredients for enjoyment of holidays and rejuvenation.

Goa has developed excellent transport linkages through air, rail, road and sea with the rest of the country and the world. A number of airlines connect Goa to major metros in the country on a daily basis like Indian Airlines which connect Goa to Dubai and Kuwait. The direct charter flights which bring in hoards of foreign tourists between September and April connect Goa to UK, Europe, Germany, France, Austria, Scandinavian and Nordic countries. This air connectivity will be further strengthened with the commissioning of an international airport at Mopa. Goa is directly connected by rail to other important tourist destinations in the country on a daily basis and with commissioning of the 129 kms long Konkan Railway routes, Goa has opened the Delhi, Ahmedabad/Mumbai, Trivandrum corridor significantly and reduced travel time in these sections. In the new railway budget Goa has been provided direct connectivity to eastern sector through Vijaywada and Howrah.

Goa is connected by good motorable roads with all the major towns in India, via the National Highway NH4A, NH17, NH17-A. The transport corporations of the four states - Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh - besides a number of private operators operate bus services on inter-state routes within the four states on a regular basis. The execution of the proposed four lane express highway corridor will connect North to South Goa with further improved road transport. There is also a proposal for establishment of Monorail North to South connectivity. All these developments will further improve the connectivity.

The sea connectivity by ships which was in existence for a number of years has since been discontinued. However there is a proposal for its revival. This mode of transport needs to be revived as the tourists particularly from Northern India enjoy this ship journey very much. There is a proposal for establishment of Cruise terminal at Aguada Bay. This will naturally attract cruise traffic. There is already a cruise ship which operates between Bombay and Goa which apart from providing excellent sea journey also provides entertainment by way of casino, etc.

Goa's climate is nature's special gift to Goa. It enjoys moderate climate throughout the year. There is no extreme unbearable heat during summer nor extreme unbearable cold during winter. Even Goa Monsoon is most enjoyable. There is always a sunny day for every rainy day. To sum up, Goa is gleaming right through the year.

Goa enjoys high rate of literacy. As a result local people in general and those engaged in tourism industry in particular are able to communicate with the visitors either in English or the national language Hindi. This helps tourists to relate themselves with locals easily and enjoy their stay.

Goa enjoys an unique image that "There is always something different to experience". This image is truly justified as a lot of activity hubs have been created all over Goa particularly along the coastal belt which provide entertainments and experiences desired by tourists. Besides, there are traditional festivities round the year taking place in Goa. New concepts like Night Bazar, Cruise Casinos, etc, are also emerging.

Goa is quite comfortable with the availability of tourist accommodation of all types including State category hotels and paying guest accommodations. As on 31-3-2005, the bed capacity recorded was 36,618 beds. This included 11,441 beds in 78 classified hotels. Major international hotel chains have set up their hotels in Goa.

If Goa is to sustain as 365 Days Perfect Holiday Destination then all efforts will have to be made to retain its image and unique brand identity with the inherent basic characteristics. Alas, unfortunately, inherent basic characteristics are slowly getting eroded while we unwittingly move to join the national main stream and therefore the big question.

(The writer is former general manager of Goa Tourism Development Corporation)

P G Kenkare (Panorama March 26, 2006)

Posted By : P G Kenkare, Goa on 26/03/2006