Tourism Minister Shri. Dilip Parulekar bags ‘Best Innovated Tourism Minister’ for the
year 2015
Panjim, 5th August 2015: The Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri. Dilip Parulekar has been awarded the PATWA - Safari India South Asia Travel awards in the category for ‘Best Innovated Tourism Minister’ for the year 2015. This award will be presented to him at a ceremony in New Delhi on August 7, 2015. Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) is an affiliate of United Nations WTO.
Shri. Parulekar is the first tourism minister of Goa to receive this prestigious award. The Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri. Dilip Parulekar said, “It is a matter of great pride and honor for me and the Tourism ministry, Government of Goa. During the last three-and-a-half years as Minister for Tourism in the Government of Goa, it has been my endeavor to take Goa Tourism to greater heights. Innovating, re-branding and creativity have been the key mantras that I have been working on tirelessly along with my young and energetic team.”
He further said, “Tourism is a subject close to my heart and I am thankful to the then Chief Minister of Goa and now, the Hon’ble Union Defence Minister, Shri. Manohar Parrikar for reposing confidence in me and allocating the tourism portfolio to me in 2012.” Shri. Parulekar pointed out that Goa Tourism has achieved a lot during his stint as tourism minister and attributed this success to the co-operation and support of the government, all tourism officials and the media in promoting Goa tourism far and wide. He added that during the last one year new initiatives have been launched such as the Hot Air Balloons, Amphibious vessels, Seaplanes, Women Taxi Service and Comprehensive Beach Cleaning Management Plan.
Safety on the beach belt has been augmented through the lifeguard services and IRB patrolling, and other safety measures strengthened. Tourism infrastructure has also been augmented and new facilities such as parking, changing rooms, toilet and locker facilities will be put in place soon. Safari India is a prestigious regional tourism magazine covering India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and South East Asia. It covers a wide range of topics on tourism, aviation, travel agents, hotels, travel trade conferences, wildlife and environment.