NT Reporter
Panaji
The state’s tourism department will spend nearly
Rs 1 crore to accord a traditional welcome to international tourists arriving in the first charter flights from each source market, either at the Goa International Airport located at Dabolim or the Manohar International Airport in Mopa.
Similarly, a traditional welcome will also be accorded to tourists arriving by 12 international
cruises.
The traditional welcome will feature Goan art forms like Ghode Modni, Goff, Jagor and other folk dances. Additionally, hostesses dressed in Goan traditional attire will present roses and greet the guests.
“King Momo, Queen Mimi, Santa Claus, or similar characters may be deployed based on the occasion, festival or season,” said the department officials, adding that kokum juice will be offered to the arriving passengers.
The tourism department has started the process to appoint an agency to conceptualise, design, execute and manage the welcome programmes.
“The primary objective is to welcome passengers arriving by international and domestic cruise vessels and charter flights by showcasing the art and culture of Goa through Goan cultural programmes and related ancillary activities at the arrival points, thereby creating a lasting first impression of Goa as a vibrant, culturally rich and hospitable destination,” said officials of the department.