India

Goa to receive first chartered flight of the season on 4th October

Goa’s tourism season will start from 4th October 2018, with arrival of the first chartered flight from Russia, carrying tourists. It was informed by Savio Messiah, President of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG).

Goa has its conventional visitors from Russia and the UK to cheer the tourist season, though there is competition from the Middle East and European countries.

Now a days Goa does not have an off season, as the domestic tourists who come from across the country makes it lively throughout the year, even in monsoon.

The state’s lone airport has been receiving a good number of chartered flights from different countries during the international tourist season that begins in October and ends in April or May.

During last year, Goa received around 2.15 lakh tourists who arrived in 808 chartered flights from around the world.

“Beach shacks have already been erected and we are eagerly waiting for the first chartered flight to land,” said Cruz Cardoso, President of Goa Shack Owners’ Welfare Society.

This year, the tourism department has allotted shacks – palm thatched structures where food and liquor are served to tourists- much earlier to the tourist season, so that everything will be ready before the arrival of tourists.

As per the state government data, around 360 shacks are erected every year on various beaches.

Besides the sandy beaches and adventure sports, Goa is also popular for its other tourist attractions like Portuguese-era buildings, churches and temples.