PANJIM, MARCH  6
Admitting that some incidents against foreigners has marred Goa’s image to certain extent, the Union Minister for Tourism Kumari Selja today called on locals to be more vigilant and more tourist-friendly.
“Goa I know is the most tourist-friendly state in India but unfortunately some incidents have marred its image internationally,” Selja said while addressing the gathering after laying the foundation stone for the mega circuit project for tourism, financed by the Central government.
“The administration, the law and order machinery will take care of the past incidents but the locals now need to play their part,” she said.
Selja further said that whatever happened is history now and called on the locals to be more careful.
“The civil society has to be more vigilant and more tourist-friendly as whatever has happened is history. We have to look at a brighter future for Goa tourism,” she said adding “Goa must continue to attract tourists.”
Talking about the prospects of getting more tourists to Goa, Selja said “Goa is famous for its beaches but I am told Goa also has good prospects of hinterland tourism, which the State has to work on.”
Chief Minister Digamabar Kamat too touched on the issue of Goa’s image being tarnished worldwide due to some isolated incidents.
“A small incident in some corner of the State gets international coverage, which is causes damage to the State in terms of tourism,” he stated adding “This is because the State is one of the top tourist destinations in the world.”
Kamat said that,in view of the above, the State’s citizens have to see that these things do not happen again. However, despite all the past incidents Kamat still maintained Goa is very safe.
“Goa is still the safest tourist destination in the world and I urge the people to come here and check it for themselves,” he said.
He said the Centre has sanctioned additional funds for the improving the security in the State. “This will give confidence to tourists to come to Goa,” he said.