Enjoy Goa responsibly, Tourism Minister tells visitors

In a message to tourists ahead of the World Tourism Day on Wednesday, Goa Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar asked visitors to "enjoy Goa in a responsible manner".

In the message issued on Tuesday, Ajgaonkar also asked tourism industry stakeholders to acts as ambassadors of Goa to tourists, while also asking them to engage in sustainable tourism.

"I also greet all the tourists, who visit 'God's Own Abode' and appeal to them to enjoy Goa in a responsible manner," he said.

September 27 is celebrated globally as World Tourism Day.

"I would urge all our local stakeholders to consider themselves as Ambassadors of Goa Tourism and treat every visitor to the State with warmth and hospitality that Goa is famous for," said Ajgaonkar.

He said that the theme for the World Tourism Day this year was focussing on 'Sustainable Tourism: A tool for development'.

"Inspired by this idea, Goa Tourism is endeavoring to ensure that its local stakeholders engage in sustainable tourism, including promotion of rural tourism," Ajgaonkar said, adding that the tourism authorities would put in place more infrastructure, activities and services in order to attract more tourists.

The coastal state is one of the top beach and gambling destinations in the country and attracts more than six million tourists every year.

--IANS

maya/vd