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Goa eyes film fests, sports events to boost tourism

Sandesh Prabhudesai in Panaji

Goa is planning to promote itself as the ultimate destination for international and domestic film festivals, and sports and infotainment events in a bid to boost tourism.

"We will support any event that will project Goa as a tourist destination," says Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.

For starters, Goa will host the World Junior Chess championship from December 8 to 21 at the Cidade de Goa Resort near Panaji. Goa managed to edge out tough competition from Kerala and West Bengal who were also in the fray to attract the prestigious event. Over 136 countries and hundreds of participants are expected to take part in the contest.

Soon after this in February, Goa will organise the week-long international export marine product exhibition, attracting over 10,000 exporters. "We expect around 40,000 visitors from all over the world for the event," says Parrikar.

Parrikar hopes that event-tourism could help the sustainability and the growth of the hospitality sector, as Goa is considered a safe and peaceful destination.

Goa's tourism industry was hit by events following the 9/11 terror attacks on the United States and the subsequent economic slowdown, yet it recorded a modest 9 per cent growth in tourist arrivals. However, this was mainly due to a 15 per cent rise in the flow of domestic tourists as against an 11 per cent drop in foreign sightseers arrivals.

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