Goa to promote backwater tourism with cruise house boats

Panaji, Jan 5 (UNI) Goa Tourism Minister Francisco (Mickey) Pascheco today launched a luxury houseboat 'Santa Lucia' acquired by the state tourism development corporation (GTDC) in order to promote backwater cruise tourism in the state.

The boat, with features like ayurvedic body massage parlour, self- contained kitchen, luxurious furnishings, exquisite flooring, hull, a large deck and spacious living area, made its maiden voyage at Siolim in North Goa.

GTDC chairman Shyam Satardekar, Managing Director Sanjit Rodrigues, BJP legislator Dayanand Mandrekar and several dignitaries from the travel and tourism industry were present on the occasion.

The corporation, which bagged the CNBC Awaz Travel Award for the best backwater tourism promotion for the year 2007, was set to consolidate its position with the launch of the boat.

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