Goa to have road shows in Europe for SFX exposition
PTI, PANAJI | 04 June 2014 20:25 IST
Goa tourism department intends to promote the forthcoming decennial exposition of relics of St Francis Xavier among European visitors.
Road shows would be planned across Europe during the year to invite tourists for this unique event which is sacred in Christianity, state Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar told reporters here yesterday.
“The exposition would be held in the first week of December this year. The entire road show is budgeted at Rs 4 crore. We expect the Union Tourism Ministry to share half the expenses,” he said.
Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and Parulekar recently had a meeting with Union Tourism Minister Shripad Naik, who has now asked the state to put up a proposal asking for the funds.
Over half a lakh tourists are expected to arrive in the state exclusively to witness the decennial exposition, Parulekar said.
The relics are preserved at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a church at Old Goa, about nine kms from Panaji.
Tourism in Goa has been on the rise with 3.5 lakh tourists arriving in the state during the last financial year, the minister added.
I am Jose Pinto Stephen, a freelance journalist based in New Jersey. I am originally from Kerala. I do want to be a part of this promotion campaign. I am glad I could be a part in the Goa Tourism Roadshow in New York. This is a good initiative and I am sure lakhs of pilgrims will visit Goa for this special event. We should promote it among the Indians as well.
During my recent trip to India I went to visit Goa and it was for two purposes. First one was the visit this Holy Shrine and the second purpose was to visit Hon. Deputy Chief Minister Francisco. I am glad I was able to achieve both goals.