Goa tourism launches beach bumming packages for couples

Panaji, April 22 (IANS) For couples who love the Goa monsoon, the tourism authorities here have now offered a "beach-bumming" experience in the rain.

A new off-season package specifically targetting tourist couples offers a much subsidied three-day-four nights package at hotels operated by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) in the state for a little more than Rs 7,000.

"The state is actively promoting its beaches to couples and families who are looking to take a break during this summer holidays," a tourism department spokesperson said Monday.

The effort the official said was aimed at making Goa, a wholesome year-round destination at a time when the state is seen largely as a winter tourism have with the tourist season stretching from October to March.

"The package also includes two full days of sightseeing on GTDC-run coaches in North and South Goa, and a river cruise on boat Shantadurga/Santa Monica," the spokesperson said.

A leading tourism destination in the country, Goa attracts over 2.4 million tourists annually out of which half a million are foreigners.