2. Goa, a tiny emerald land on the West Coast of India, with its
natural scenic beauty, abundant greenery, attractive beaches and
temples and churches with distinctive style of architecture,
colorful and lively feasts and festivities, above all hospitable
people with a rich cultural has an ideal tourist profile.
The main asset that comprises the high profile product is Goa's
105 kms coastline studded with 29 beaches lined by golden sand, a
natural harbour, large network of inland waterways, century old
temples and churches, renowned for worship and pilgrimage,
cultural diversity that has no parallel in the world.
The greatness of Goa perhaps lies in its smallness with roots firmly
entrenched into the hoary past with richly built heritage. In terms
of tourist attractions too, Goa's offerings are superb with their
traditions of hospitability, varied lifestyles, cultural heritage and
colorful fairs.
3. Goa has developed excellent transport linkages through air, rail,
road and sea with the rest of the country and the world. A number
of airlines connect Goa to major metros in the country on a daily
basis like Indian Airlines which connect Goa to Dubai and Kuwait.
The direct charter flights which bring in hoards of foreign tourists
between September and April connect Goa to UK, Europe,
Germany, France, Austria, Scandinavian and Nordic countries.
This air connectivity will be further strengthened with the
commissioning of an international airport at Mopa. Goa is directly
connected by rail to other important tourist destinations in the
country on a daily basis and with commissioning of the 129 kms
long Konkan Railway routes, Goa has opened the Delhi,
Ahmedabad/Mumbai, Trivandrum corridor significantly and
reduced travel time in these sections. In the new railway budget
Goa has been provided direct connectivity to eastern sector
through Vijaywada and Howrah.
4. Goa is quite comfortable with the availability of tourist accommodation of
all types including State category hotels and paying guest accommodations.
As on 31-3-2005, the bed capacity recorded was 36,618 beds. This included
11,441 beds in 78 classified hotels. Major international hotel chains have
set up their hotels in Goa.
If Goa is to sustain as 365 Days Perfect Holiday Destination then all efforts
will have to be made to retain its image and unique brand identity with the
inherent basic characteristics. Alas, unfortunately, inherent basic
characteristics are slowly getting eroded while we unwittingly move to join
the national main stream and therefore the big question.