Goa and Guj to sign MoU to promote tourism

Panaji, Sep 6 (UNI) Goa and Gujarat tourism are planning to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on a reciprocal basis to promote tourism in both the states jointly, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) chairperson Fatima D'Sa and Tourism corporation of Gujarat (TCGL) Chairman Kamalesh Patel today said.

Interacting with the media persons here today, Ms D'Sa assured full cooperation to Gujarat and said, ''We are working hard to establish a MoU with Gujarat Government so that it is benefical to both the states to promote tourism and added that the MoU will be singed shortly.

Goa is known for beach destination while Gujarat is known for its culture and heritage, she said.

Meanwhile, TCGL today organised a road show in Goa aimed at making Gujarat a popular destination amongst the travel and tour community of the state.

The TCGL, Managing Director P D Vaghela said, ''Government of Gujarat is celebrating the year 2006 as Tourism year to highlight the immense potential of the tourism sector in the state. Tourism can be an engine of growth for the economy of Gujarat. This year the budget for tourism has increased from Rs 100 crore compared to Rs 30 crore of the previous year.'' Mr Vaghela also said, the main highlight of the road show was the announcement of Navratri Festival being celebrated on a mega scale in Gujarat. Navratri festival, the world's longest dance festival is being celebrated from September 23 to October one.

He said a grand inaugural function has been planned on September 23 in Gandhinagar and cultural troupes from various nations such as Israel, Astrakhan, SAARC countries, Europe, US are invited. Gujarat Tourism will also be organising various kinds of tour packages for the tourists travelling to Gujarat.

The mesmerising three day desert festival of Sharad Utsav also has been planned in Kutch district from October six to eight for celebrating 'Purnima' (Full Moon night).

Gujarat Tourism is planning a series of such road shows in other cities of India, besides Goa seven road shows have already been held in Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hydrabad, Jaipur, Mumbai and Pune.

UNI SRN MJ SHB HT2018