Panaji, November 27: Goa bagged yet another honour when it was voted ‘Favourite Leisure Destination – India’ at the Readers’ Travel Awards organized by Condé Nast Traveller India. The awards were announced and given away at a glittering ceremony in New Delhi last evening.
Hon. Minister of Tourism, Govt. of Goa, Shri Dilip Parulekar received the award from Ms. Divia Thani Daswani, Editor, Condé Nast Traveller India. The Chief Guest for the evening was Dr. Lalit K Panwar, Honorable Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Mr. Nicholas Coleridge, President, Condé Nast International, was also present at the event.
Shri Dilip Parulekar said, “Goa Tourism takes pride in being judged the ‘Favourite Leisure Destination – India’ at the Readers Travel Awards by Condé Nast Traveller.
This is a testimony to the popularity of the state as a holiday option among travelers. While beaches are synonymous with Goa, other aspects like its heritage, history, cuisine, nature and wildlife are also attracting tourists.
Goa also has a wide range of festivals all through the year which reflect our culture and legacy, this air of celebration combined with tourist-friendly facilities is a formula that has worked for us. Right now, we are focused on improving our infrastructure and other related facilities so that Goa continues to remain a favourite.”
This is the third time that Goa has won an award at the Readers’ Travel Awards. In 2013 it was voted as ‘Best Leisure Destination’. With tourism picking up even during the off-season in monsoon, introduction of a beach cleaning movement and women’s taxi services, Goa has continued to be the destination of choice for travelers.
“The fact that Goa offers so much for tourists makes it an easy choice when it comes to planning a holiday. We are conscious of the fact that tourism is poised for growth in the country and we are taking steps to ensure that Goa leads the way for this growth,” said Shri Ameya Abhyankar, Director of Tourism, Govt. of Goa.
Goa Tourism is also planning to introduce services like Seaplanes, heli-tourism and has recently started a ‘Hop On, Hop Off’ bus tour facility during the ongoing St. Francis Xavier Exposition in old Goa. “Every Goan is warm and welcoming and this has been our biggest strength.
The fact that these awards have been endorsed by readers, who are or have been tourists in Goa, adds credibility to the fact that our state continues to be the destination of choice for travelers in and out of India,” added Shri Nilesh Cabral, Chairman, Goa Tourism Development corporation (GTDC).
