Foreign tourists arrival in Goa on the rise

Panaji, Aug 8: The number of foreign tourists arriving in Goa went up in 2015 compared to earlier year with Russians topping the chart, Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar told the state Assembly today.

In a written reply tabled on the floor of the House, Parulekar said during 2015 calendar year, 5.41 lakh foreign tourists arrived in the state, as against 5.13 lakh in 2014.

A total 1.5 lakh Russians arrived last year in Goa, known for its scenic beaches, as against 1.4 lakh Britishers, who have been traditionally travelling to the state for last four decades.

While the visits by Russians and Britishers are on the rise, the number of Germans, the third highest to arrive in Goa, is on a decline. Total 4.6 lakh Germans arrived in the state last year as against 5.59 lakh during 2014.

PTI