“Goa is an Experience” so Why Not Experience Goa?

While Goa has a beautiful 105 km coastline and the state is perhaps best known for its sweeping beaches, there’s much more to experience, said Dr Wilfred de Souza, Hon. Minister of Tourism, Govt of Goa at an informative presentation to travel agents, trade media and Indian community members this week.

The tourism minister and Mr Arlindo Pereira, Deputy Director, Govt of Goa, Dept of Tourism were chief guests at the promotion which was co-hosted by Tourism India, Goa Tourism and Spice Trails in the Sydney Hilton Ballroom.

Dr De Souza elaborated by saying that hospitable people were a real plus point of “gorgeous Goa”.

The 450 years of Portuguese influence has resulted in an increasingly popular destination that offers the best of the east and the west, he said.

In addition to cultural attractions visitors are exploring the state’s backwaters and hinterlands, enjoying its many water sports activities, attending memorable conferences and corporate incentives and even getting married in Goa, he added.

“Goa is a different place to rest of India,” said Dr de Souza.

The tourism minister anticipates that airlines would soon take up the challenge to launch point to point flights into the state’s international airport from major cities.

Mr Shanker Dhar, Regional Director – Australasia, India Tourism reinforced Dr de Souza’s comments by saying that India’s 25^th state was a perfect holiday destination and a wonderful part of Incredible India.

Representing Spice Trails, Mr Arnold D’Souza, Managing Director, said the company had expanded its innovative Spice Bus tour programme in India. 

We have opened the age range so that with the relaunch of our fortnightly tours from November 1 passengers aged from 10 to 70 can join in on the fun and see India in a more relaxed way, he said.

As well, we are the first company to offer passengers spending money on arrival in India, he added.

Escorted Spice Bus coach tours regularly ply the Delhi/Mumbai and Trivandrum/Mumbai circuits.

Highlights of the latter $1829 tour include an Ayurvedic massage and yoga in Trivandrum, an overnight backwaters boat trip with all meals, a stay in a South Indian home with local meals, a Portuguese carnival night out in Goa and dinner and nightclubbing in Mumbai.

The itineraries for both tours cover a number of places not included in traditional tours and travel time to get to these places of interest is never more than six hours a day, said D’Souza.

“These are excellent value for money holidays as both itineraries include airport transfers, accommodation in comfortable 3-star hotels with air conditioning and private facilities and most with swimming pools, daily breakfasts, travel in an air conditioned bus with reclining seats and refrigeration facilities for soft drinks and water, extensive sightseeing including entrance fees to monuments and some dinners and lunches,” he said.  

In order to cater to increased business, Spice Trails has moved to a new office at Level 5, 49 Market St, Sydney.  The new telephone number is 8252 8777.

Exclusive Report by Thomas E. King