A beach lover’s paradise, family vacationers’ hub and soon to be an adventure hub, Goa, is one
destination that needs no introduction considering the number of footfalls it gets. In an
interaction with Laxmikant Vaigankar, General Manager, GTDC, he outlines how Goa is a promising destination and that no one shall never return disappointed from here. Here’s a detailed look at all that he had
to share.
Arushi Bajaj
Goa, as me all know, is a favourite beach destination not just for the domestic travellers in India
but also inbound. From honeymooners to family vacationers, people have been thronging the
place for many years, which is why it is home to some of the most plush and vibrant hotels. It is
one of the few destinations in the country that is ideal for backpackers as it caters to tourists of
not just different tastes but also different pockets. Having created a niche for itself, the
destination, given its shoreline, is now keenly focussed on improving and strengthening its
adventure activities as it strongly feels that going forward, adventure will be a big crowd puller.
Commenting on the year 2019, Vaigankar shares, “It was a great year altogether, though
recession was there, but people are flocking to Goa in huge numbers. The footfall recorded in the
year 2019 was 80,00,000 visitors and we wish the number to surge to 1 crore for the year 2020.
Though the numbers are challenging and so is the current situation, keeping in mind the adverse
effects of Coronavirus, we wish to pass through this phase with ease.”
Connectivity is also a big plus as the state is well-served by flights across the country. “Flight
rates are increasing every moment and we do not want the traffic to divert because of the surge in
prices. We are planning to revamp Goa as an absolute adventure destination with activities such
as Bungee Jumping, Hot air ballooning, white water rafting and a lot more is on the cards for the
adventure lovers,” he explains.
Talking about the strategy for the year ahead and their plans to tap in more numbers, the veteran
feels that 2020 will be the year dedicated to adventure activities. “We would try to build up more
adventure activities and hub in the area with complete focus on introducing these under expert
supervision. We are in talks for introducing a Hanging Restaurant in Goa as part of our plan to
give people a taste of “adventure” tourism. The restaurant will be one of a kind wherein we will
also organise motorcycle tours and offer feni-brewery tours,” he says, adding, “Goa is a place for
anyone and everyone which can be visited any time for the year. Already established for world
class destination weddings, Goa, has infinite options in its kitty. I can say with pride that Goa is a
safe destination for solo women travellers and that the destination is here to stay and grow for the
rest of the years to come.”
