http://oheraldo.in/node/10971
'Make Goa all-year tourist destination' BY HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 12 — Calling for efforts to make Goa a round the year top tourist destination, Additional Director General, Tourism, Government of India, Rajeev Talwar said the State must diversify from its beach-oriented tourism. Speaking after the inauguration of "Goa Tourism Meet 2006" and Cashew Mahotsav, at Kala Academy, Talwar said in order to increase the inflow of foreign tourists, Goa should have a huge state-of-the-art convention centre, an international airport, life saving facilities on the beaches, well-organised water sports activities, etc. Currently, tourism in Goa is mainly from November to March. Talwar who had a stint as an IAS officer in Goa 25 years ago, said Goa has a huge potential to attract more foreigners in the coming years and for this, tourism should be taken to the hinterland and backwater tourism be introduced. He also advocated the need for issuing long-term visas – for 5-10 years, the way US and UK have been issuing. TTAG chief and chairman of GCCI's tourism committee, Walter D'Souza of CEPC also spoke. GCCI's Vice President Caesar Menezes welcomed while treasurer Manguirish Raikar proposed the vote of thanks. Tourism Director Sandeep Jacques was also present. -- TUMCHER AXIRVAD ASSUM; DEV BOREM KORUM. Gabe Menezes. London, England