Goa eyes floating hotels, amphibian planes

Panaji, April 29 (IANS) Heli-tourism isn't the only innovation Goa tourism officials are working actively on. Amphibian planes and floating hotels too are being planned to woo vacationers.

Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar said Monday in the legislative assembly that amphibian planes, which can take off and land on water, would also be seen buzzing along the Goa tourist circuit soon.

"Amphibian aircraft are those which can operate on both land as well as water bodies and commute tourists from one place to another. It is being worked out," Parulekar said.

He said the Goa government had also expressed interest "inviting offers from open market" to set up tourist circuits with amphibian aircraft, helicopters and floatel, or floating hotel.

Parulekar said heli-tourism would "boost tourism and enable ease in travel, reduce commuting time and connect inaccessible areas", while the floating hotel could be set up both in a river or sea.

Goa already has four operating offshore casinos, the first state to boast of such a set up in the country.

Goa annually attracts 2.4 million tourists, of which half a million are foreigners.