Panjim, October 1: The first charter flight from Moscow arrived at the Goa International Airport, Dabolim today, marking the beginning of the tourism season in Goa for the year 2017-18.

The Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Govt. of Goa, Mr. Manohar Ajgaonkar said, ”it’s a flying start for the new tourism season with the arrival  of  519 foreign tourists from Russia on the first charter flight which arrived in Goa today. I am very happy that the new tourism season has begun and am confident that it will progress smoothly and satisfactorily.

I received  an overwhelming response  from tour operators  when  I was in Moscow  last month and  both Goa Tourism and  the Russian  travel and  tour operators  had very fruitful discussions and  business  interactions which will have  positive results for Goa this season. I welcome the arrival of the first charter and wish all our tourism stakeholders and charter handling agencies a very successful season.

I  once again reiterate  that even as Goa Tourism is very serious about  ensuring the safety and security  of all its tourists,  I appeal to all our foreign and  domestic guests to enjoy responsibly  and to  follow the  laws of the land and  all the DOs and  D’ONTs  to avoid  risking  or endangering their lives.

The Goa police,  lifeguards and locals serve as  our ambassadors  and one needs to  pay heed to  them  at times in addition to following  signboards,  warning notices and whatever  awareness is created  in the interest of  tourists.”

Biblio Globus in association with Concord Exotic Voyages (P) Ltd today brought its first charter flight with 519 passengers from Russia on board Rossiya Airlines which arrived at Goa airport, Dabolim  at  8:30 a.m.

Goa Tourism accorded a warm welcome to the charter passengers on arrival at the airport with a brass band and presentation of roses and sweets to all the passengers.

Goa Tourism is expecting a good charter season this year and is taking all necessary steps to  clear out hurdles at the airport with regards to  landings and  slots for charters.

While there was a dip in charter arrivals due to recession and geo-political scenario across the globe, the year 2016-17 saw a surge in arrival of charters and passengers. This year Goa Tourism is optimistic and confident of crossing the 1000 mark of charter flights.

This year 519 passengers arrived on the first charter alone as against 492 passengers last year.

Margao:  September 30th 2017 … Chief Minister, Shri Manohar Parrikar reiterating the Government commitment for the development of the State as a whole asserted that the no preferential treatment is meted to any district in particular. The whole of the State has been given equal attention when it comes to its development irrespective of political agreement or disagreement, he added.

Speaking after inaugurating the office of Tribal Welfare at Old Collectorate building, Margao, Shri Parrikar said all government Offices like the Secretariat cannot be set up in the District and informed that South District should have fully empowered offices in its jurisdiction and assured to complete 90 percent government facilities in the District by March 2018. 

Shri Parrikar said that the Passport Office will soon be opened at Matanhy Saldanha Administrative complex for the benefit of the people of the District.

Shri Vijay Sardessai, Town & Country Planning Minister said that special attention and importance is provided to South Goa.  The Government is for the people.  The office is opened to ensure that the various schemes under Tribal Welfare reach the people of this community at their doorsteps, he remarked.

The Tribal Welfare minister, Shri Govind Gaude proposing the vote of thanks said the long pending demand of the people since 2003 has been fulfilled with the opening of this office with the whole hearted support of the community at large to serve its members at the nearest point.

He informed that a Tribal Welfare Academy is being planned to enhance the educational and other aspects of the people of the traditionally rich community. The benefit of the Tribal Forest Act would be provided to the people by coming march, he pointed.

         Earlier, Shri Manohar Parrikar along with Shri Vijay Sardessai, Shri Govind Gaude, MLA’s, Shri Digamber Kamat, Shri Wilfred D’Sa; Smt. Babita Angle, Chairperson, MMC and Smt. Anjali Sehravat, District Collector unveiled the plague and lighted the traditional lamp to mark the inauguration of the Tribal Welfare office.

Sanads under Forest Right Act were handed over to 17 beneficiaries and the meritorious students of SSC and HSSC were felicitated at the hands of the dignitaries.

Shri Prakash Velip, Councilors of MMC; Additional Collectors, Shri Agnelo Fernandes and Shri Johnson Fernandes were among those present on the occasion.

Shri Venancio Furtado, Director of Tribal Welfare welcomed the gathering.

PANAJI, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 … “Cleanliness is service, too,” said Governor, Dr (Smt) Mridula Sinha while addressing the members of the Indian Red Cross Society, (IRCS) Goa at their annual general body meet held at the Raj Bhavan in Dona Paula. Dr (Smt) Mridula Sinha, who is the president of the IRCS-Goa, while speaking of the ongoing ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ Campaign, said that we must ensure our surroundings are clean because if the place around us is clean then diseases and problems decrease.  

Dr (Smt) Mridula Sinha said that the direction in which the IRCS-Goa Chapter is going is commendable. Acknowledging that financial constraints are present whenever one undertakes any voluntary work she said that fundraising activities should be held. “There is no lack of people wanting to support. People are willing to help. We only have to ask for assistance, without hesitating.”

The Hon. Chairperson of the Indian Red Cross Society, Goa, Shri Gaurish Dhond said that volunteering is important for community-based approach and for providing quality health programs. He said that the IRCS is a forum to rise and collectively work for humanity.

The Annual Administrative Report for the year 2016-17 was presented. The issues of the IRCS premises in Margao, Ponda and Mapusa were discussed at the meet.

Present on the occasion were General Secretary, IRCS, Maria Shanti Reveredo, Hon. Vice Chairperson, Shri Manguirish Pai Raikar, Hon. Treasurer, Shri Mario Pinto De Santana and members of IRCS.

Dr Digamber Naik proposed the vote of thanks while Dr Suvarna Fonseca compered the function. Earlier, the students of Progress High School, Panaji sang the Red Cross geet. The gathering concluded with the Dr (Smt) Mridula Sinha administering the cleanliness pledge.

Panaji: 28/09/2017 … To be able to achieve an opportunity to get selected from a city in India to represent your hometown at a national level is great but what’s even better is the grooming you get to perfect your skills and to polish oneself for an International competition. That’s exactly what the Max Elite Model Look India, boot camp is all about.

The 16 finalists chosen from various parts of India have been flown to Goa for an intensive grooming boot camp that will not only improve their look but the way they walk and talk. Ensuring these finalists get the best, the most esteemed personalities of the fashion and beauty industry have been roped in. Renowned fashion magnate Marc Robinson is heading the glam team to look after the grooming progress under the safe wings of supermodel Carol Gracias who will train the models to be runway ready and celebrity hair and make-up artist Clint Fernandes who will instill his valuable techniques onto the finalists.

A week long of makeovers, photo shoots, fittings and rehearsals have been scheduled, to introduce the contestants to the world of modelling. At the end of this intense preparation, they will be ready to walk the runaway at the India Finale on Friday, 29^th September. The winners of India Final will join the winners from 30 other countries and participate in the prestigious Elite Model Look, World Final that will take place at Milan in November 2017

Panjim, September 28: Goa Tourism carved itself a milestone this World Tourism Day. For the first time in its history,  the State  has bagged two prestigious National Awards  for 2015-16– Most Innovative use of Information Technology: Social Media/Mobile App by Goa Tourism Development  Corporation  and  Best State/UT Comprehensive Development  of Tourism (Rest of India)(Third Prize – Joint  Winner).

The two  prestigious National Tourism Awards were presented  to Goa by the  Hon’ble  President  of India, Mr. Ram Nath Kovind at a glittering function at Vigyan Bhavan   in New Delhi today. The award ceremony was presided over  by the  Hon’ble Minister  of State  (Independent charge) for Tourism, Mr. Alphons Kannanthanam.

The NTA function coincided with the occasion of World Tourism Day, 27^th September 2017. The awards were received by the Hon’ble Chairman of Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), Mr. Nilesh Cabral and Managing Director of Goa Tourism Development Corporation, Mr. Nikhil Desai.

The NTA awards have been instituted since 1990 and presented to State governments/UTs and  several other tourism bodies in recognition of their performance in  the respective fields of travel, tourism and hospitality encouraging healthy competition with an aim to promote tourism.  During the last five years, Goa Tourism has powered several campaigns on Goa as an Ideal Wedding Tourism Destination, Goa as a Monsoon Destination, Goa as an Adventure tourism destination etc.

The Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Mr. Manohar Ajgaonkar today said, “I  am extremely  happy and congratulate  the Department  of Tourism and Goa Tourism  Development  Corporation  for  their  outstanding performance which has brought name and fame  to Goa Tourism. I congratulate Chairman of GTDC, Mr.  Nilesh Cabral and his dedicated team for   adopting various initiatives one of which has brought this   a huge laurel in the category of Innovative Use of Information Technology.  I wish Goa Tourism many more awards and laurels.”

Mr. Nilesh Cabral, Chairman  of Goa  Tourism Development  Corporation said, “ I am  extremely honoured  today to receive  such a huge recognition from the President  of India  for  the Corporation’s  innovative  initiative.  During the last five years,   under my chairmanship,  the GTDC has  worked  in the  right  direction  and  has give  a new face to  Goa Tourism.  I take this  opportunity  to congratulate the entire  team  at GTDC and  Dept.  of Tourism  for working  wholeheartedly  in this  endeavour  and  seek continued support from everyone in the future.”

About the Awards:

Most Innovative Use of Information Technology- Social Media/Mobile App

This was for a campaign  run  for the tourists  and  by the tourists  ‘Tourism  by Tourists’ which was aimed  at building  the longest running  digital testimonial campaign  for a travel brand. The goal of the campaign was to raise credibility for the State through travellers’ opinions and online publishers (bloggers/photographers/magazines etc).

Best State/UT ‘Comprehensive Development of Tourism (Rest of India) (Third Prize Joint Winner)

This award recognizes Goa as a dream tourist destination for all tourists visiting this State.  It highlights Goa as   a beach tourism destination along with other tourism facets namely bird watching, waterfalls, religious tourism, eco -tourism etc.

Panaji: September 28, 2017 … The Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs will confer its ‘Dilip Sardessai Sports Excellence Award’ for the year 2015-16 to Shri. P. Anand, an International Medallist in Taekwondo Sport. The award will be presented at the hands of Chief Minister, Shri. Manohar Parrikar in the presence of Minister for Sports Shri. Manohar Azgaonkar on September 29, 2017 at 4.30 p.m. at the Multipurpose Hall of the Directorate of Art and Culture at Patto, Panaji, Smt. Nandini Dilip Sardesai and Shri. Rajdeep Sardesai will attend the said function.