Goa's romance with the rains

Goa's crowded beaches may wear a deserted look during the monsoon, but that could soon change with the government promoting `raindrop tourism'.

Swimming is banned on beaches after the south west monsoon hits the state. But the June-September period is also the time for a different experience with giant sea waves hitting the shores, cool breeze welcoming tourists and numerous streams and waterfalls sprouting amidst the lush green landscape.

The Tourism Department, which had promoted Goa as a 365-day holiday destination, is set to sell the concept of raindrop tourism, especially to travellers from West Asia where rains are sparse.

For this, authorities are streamlining the promotional campaign. "We lack an integrated campaign. Our promotional campaigns are distributed amongst multiple agencies. Other states have a single agency doing the job," Swapnil Naik, Director, Goa Tourism, said.

Official figures reveal that of the total tourist inflow, around 10 per cent are received during monsoons.

The coastal state is facing tough competition from Kerala, which has branded itself as 'God's own country' and aggressively promotes backwater tourism.

Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), which has 13 properties, has introduced discount offers under themes like 'monsoon glee' and 'monsoon honeymoon' at its resorts and hotels to attract holiday-makers during the off season.

GTDC Managing Director Nikhil Desai said the corporation has opted for an aggressive campaign on the Internet and through travel marts. Tapping popular social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter is another way of reaching out to youngsters.

Festivals like Sao Joao, which has revellers jumping into water bodies to welcome the monsoon, are promoted by GTDC. Also, the corporation is exposing hinterland to the tourists, who usually don't think of Goa beyond the beaches.

GTDC hotels have 60 per cent occupancy along the coastal belt and 50 per cent in other places during the lean season, Public Relations Officer Dipak Narvekar said. The corporation is offering 30 per cent discount on stay and food during monsoons.


PTI