Panaji: Goa`s crowded beaches wear a largely deserted look during the monsoon, a scene which the state government intends to change by 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 sprouting amidst lush green landscape.
The Tourism Department 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 integrated campaign. Our promotional campaigns are distributed amongst multiple agencies. Other
states have a single agency doing the job," Swapnil Naik, Director, Goa Tourism, told reporters.
Official figure state 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 concept. 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.
PTI
