Goa is extremely safe for tourists, says Parulekar

Panaji, Dec 18: A day after his reported remark that "heightened" security would be put in place at the upcoming music festivals in view of threat posed by extremist groups like Islamic State (IS), Goa Minister Dilip Parulekar today said the state was an "extremely safe destination" for tourists.

Claiming that he was "misquoted" by a section of media, the state Tourism Minister said in a press release issued here today that there was no threat from any group and the state was safe for tourists.

"Goa is an extremely safe destination and I am confident that tourists from all across the globe will throng to the state to celebrate the forthcoming Christmas and New Year festivities," Parulekar said in a press release here.

"While incidents of terror are occurring far and wide, Goa continues to be a safe tourist destination and Goa Tourism department in tandem with all other agencies is working round the clock to provide a safe and secure environment for all visitors to Goa," the Goa Tourism Minister said.

Talking to a section of media yesterday, the Minister had reportedly said, "Security at the electronic dance music (EDM) festivals Sunburn and the Supersonic held annually in Goa, will be heightened in view of a terror threat posed by extremist groups like the Islamic State (IS)."

He said Goa is already abuzz with the festive season and the two electronic dance music (EDM) festivals- "Sunburn" and "Supersonic"- scheduled to be held later this month in north Goa, will see a huge draw of tourists to the state.

The Minister has also taken the opportunity to assure tourists that all security measures are already in place for the season both on and off the coastline through lifeguards, IRB, tourist police and the law enforcing agencies.

PTI