The smallest state of India, Goa, climbed one step up the ladder of popularity at an international level. It bagged four top honours at an award function hosted by Travel & Leisure India and South Asia in New Delhi, India. Goa was declared the winner of Best Honeymoon Destination, Best Leisure Destination, Best Family Destination and Best Party Destination for India and South East Asia. Apart from this, Goa also emerged as the runner up for Best Wedding Destination in India and South East Asia.

Minister for Tourism, Women & Child Development, Government of Goa, Mr. Dilip Parulekar expressed pride and happiness in Goa being able to achieve accolades in so many diverse categories. He also stated that Goa’s winner tag matches with their aim of promoting the state as an all- round destination ideal for a visit any time of the year. Last year tourist arrival figures in Goa went up to 12 percent compared to the 2012 figure. This is definitely a sign of optimism and Mr. Parulekar hopes that with all initiatives taken by Goa tourism to promote the state as India’s best beach destination, the number of native and foreign tourists will increase further by the end of this year.

Government of Goa has been taking complete care of its tourists’ safety and leisurely needs. The state government focuses on maintaining cleanliness of the roads and beaches, improving security measures, restoring hygiene in restaurants and pubs, preserving the heritage sites and organizing big festivals like Sunburn Goa. It is because of this that tourism in Goa is consistently increasing over the years and is expected to attain greater heights in future.