Goa to promote its forts as tourism destinations

Panaji, August 1: The Goa tourism ministry is keen to promote the centuries-old forts in the state as tourism destinations.

In a written reply tabled during the ongoing monsoon session of the Goa assembly, Tourism Minister DIlip Parulekar said that two forts are already in the tourism ministry radar and will be restored and developed soon as tourism destinations.

"The Goa Tourism Development Corporation has appointed a project management consultant to prepare a detailed project report and estimates on provision of public amenities at Fort Aguada, in Calangute constituency and Fort Alorna, in Pernem constituency," Parulekar said.

The state has more than a dozen forts, most of them located along the coastal areas and river banks, which were built several centuries ago, in some cases even before the Portuguese rule.

While most of the forts are in a state of ruin, the recent redevelopment of the Reis Magos fort, with the help of a UK-based charity, has inspired the state government to tap the tourism potential of forts.

Goa, one of the top beach and nightlife tourism destinations in the world, annually attracts over four million tourists.

IANS