Tourism meet in Goa from Mar 10

Panaji, Mar 7 (UNI) A two-day tourism meet with the theme of ''Summertime in Goa'', combined with Cashew Mahotsav-2006, would begin here from March 10.

The events, organised under the aegis of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), would be inaugurated by Union Tourism Minister Ambika Soni.

Disclosing this to mediapersons here yesterday, Ralph D'Souza and Mangesh Pai-Raikar, in-charge of tourism wing of the GCCI, said the event would showcase tourist attractions in the state.

They said technical sessions would dwell on strategies to be adopted to further boost tourism, particularly during the slack season that is from April to October.

Shortage of accommodation was felt in the peak season, that is between November and March, but it was otherwise not a problem in other months, they added.

A cashew recipe contest for restaurants, housewives and hotels would be another attraction in the Mahotsav, with emphasis on creativity, nutritional value and presentation, they said.

About 150 farmers, exporters, processors and businessmen would share their experiences in promoting cashew kernel yield and organic farming, besides discussing the challenges in disease and pest management and finances.

Condemning the recent communal incidents in South Goa, they said that the violence did not affect tourism in the state. Violence was confined to a few local pockets, leaving no impact on tourism.

Shortage of accommodation was felt in the peak season between November and March, but it was otherwise not a problem in other months, they added.

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