Goa Welcomes International Tourists with Warm Hospitality

The international tourist season in Goa commenced with the arrival of two chartered flights from Russia, bringing 488 passengers. The Goa tourism department warmly welcomed the visitors at Manohar International Airport. The state is gaining popularity not only for its beaches but also for its hinterland and regenerative tourism campaign.

The international tourist season in Goa kicked off on Wednesday, marked by the arrival of two chartered flights from Russia carrying a total of 488 passengers, according to official sources.

Officials from the Goa tourism department extended a warm welcome to the incoming tourists at the Manohar International Airport, located in the state's coastal region.

The landing of these flights signifies the start of Goa's international tourist season, as the southwest monsoon has receded from the area. The first flight from Moscow, with 349 passengers, arrived at 9 a.m, followed by another flight from Yekaterinburg carrying 210 passengers.

Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte welcomed the international travelers, noting a novel approach this year where beach shacks were set up ahead of the tourist arrivals. He highlighted Goa's increasing popularity not just for its beaches, but also for its hinterland, thanks to a new regenerative tourism campaign. According to Khaunte, more than one crore tourists visited Goa during the last season.

(With inputs from agencies.)