May 19, 2017 TnH Global

A Google shot in the arm for State: Goa Most Preferred Destination in India says report

Goa is a tiny State in India, yet a tourism destination par excellence. Goa Tourism’s persistent efforts at marketing and promotion of the State in recent years have borne rich dividends. Receiving more than 6 million tourists, both domestic and foreign who come to experience its natural beauty, tourism adventure activities, festival and cultural tourism and a lot more 365 days of the year, has rightly earned recognition to the State as the Most Preferred Destination for tourists in India, by none other than the Google India report which was released this week. The report is based on searches conducted by Indians between February and April 2017.

Goa is a preferred holiday destination by not only domestic tourists but international visitors as well who are exposed to Goa’s rich and vibrant culture, cuisine and a plethora of other facets through all seasons including monsoons, be it heritage, wellness, adventure, food, performing arts, architecture, religious, sports, handicrafts etc.

Manohar Ajgaonkar, Minister for Tourism, Govt. of Goa said, “The Google India report has rightly positioned Goa as the most preferred place in India for tourists. Goa’s natural beauty and bountiful avenues for leisure and relaxation is a very big draw for tourists all through the year. Goa Tourism will continue to make this State a hot spot for tourists in the coming months and years through new innovative products and services, tourism infrastructure projects and add more value to its offerings for tourists.”

Rajeev Kale – President & Country Head – Leisure Travel, MICE, Thomas Cook India Limited said, “At Thomas Cook India, we continue to see strong uptake for Goa over last year, with an increase in bookings of up to 15%. Goa is increasingly emerging as the preferred destination that is favoured by consumers all year round and has the highest number of repeat clients than any other destination in the Domestic travel segment. With extensive Business volumes and revenue coming from MICE and Leisure travel, Goa continues to feature as the ideal tourist destination within India. At Thomas Cook India, Goa has always been a top favourite for its local sight-seeing experiences, as also its famed Goan cuisine-culture; and with a unique approach to hospitality, Goa continues to attract tourists given its range of entertainment options, vibrant nightlife and adrenaline-infused water sports like yachting, diving, jet-skiing, para-sailing, dolphin tours, etc.”

Amod Thatte- Head Product, Contracting & Innovation, SOTC Travel said, “Goa has emerged as the most preferred holiday destination among Indians this year. With its scenic beauty, its beaches and its youth-centric atmosphere, Goa continues to be ever popular with Indian travelers whether you are with your family, spouse or friends. “Goa in the Rains” is being sold as a domestic package and the state is also rolling out other attractions designed specifically for Indians. Goa is the most preferred holiday destination, accounting for 38% of total bookings (Leisure + MICE) recorded at SOTC, making Goa an ideal travel destination in India all year round. For MICE and leisure travel, we are always looking for destinations which offer a combination of great value and a relaxed atmosphere and Goa has gained new importance. Goa has always been a top favorite for its beautiful beaches, vast unspoiled land, liberal culture and authentic cuisine, making Goa India’s most favored holiday spot”.

Savio Messias, President of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) said, “This is great news for the tourism industry in Goa and we hope that all stakeholders keep up the good work being done so that Goa remains the top most tourism destination in the country.”