GET SET GOA….HERE COMES CARNAVAL 2016

• The annual extravaganza will take place from February 6-9


• Collaborations of ideas between UK, South Africa and Goa entitled ‘Destination Carnival’ to mark Goa Carnaval 2016


• Process on to select 20 floats for financial grants to improve quality and standard of float parade. King Momo Shalom Sardinha to proclaim four day reign on Saturday, February 6


• 2016 edition of ‘Grape Escapade’ Wine and Lifestyle Festival from February 4-7

Panjim, Feb 3, 2016: The time to let down one’s hair and ramba samba to the beats of Viva Carnaval is here.

Goa Tourism and Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) have set the stage for Goa Carnaval 2016 commencing from February 6-9.

Goa is abuzz about the new look Carnaval in the wake of the collaboration between Goa, UK and South Africa to improve the quality and standard of Carnaval floats and performances. This year’s edition is expected to be one of the most colourful and vibrant ever seen.

Several entries have been received from tableaux participants and the process for selecting 20 quality floats for financial grants is on.

The main float parade will be held in the capital city – Panjim on February 6, followed by float parades in the other cities of Margao on February 7, Vasco, Ponda and Curchorem on February 8, and Mapusa and Shiroda on February 9. The prize money for the float parade contest is Rs 6 lakh per Centre.

Goa Tourism and GTDC is expecting a larger participation of floats this year and an increase of tourists to witness this gala event.

Entitled Destination Carnaval, nationwide promotions of the four day event is expected to draw thousands of tourists to Goa. Foreign footfalls are also expected to increase with heightened promotion and publicity of the EU collaboration project for Goa Carnaval this year. The newly launched helicopter joy rides on the eve of Carnaval and the on-going Wine Festival Grape Escapade will also be a big booster.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Mr. Dilip Parulekar said, “A lot of hard work is being done this year to position Goa Carnaval as a Premiere State tourism event and Goa Tourism is working on this project in association with Brouhaha International, an arts organization based in Liverpool - United Kingdom. The project is entitled ‘Destination Carnival’ which is aimed at exchange of ideas and talents across three countries namely UK, South Africa and Goa India.

Carnaval is Goa’s tribute to its diverse population and heritage; it aims to spread a message of peace, unity and harmony.”

Hon’ble Chairman of GTDC Mr. Nilesh Cabral said, “The Goa Carnaval is one of the biggest highlights in the state and the country. It is a colourful and vibrant spectacle which gives one a glimpse into Goa’s glorious past and is a shining example of how traditions have been carried over time.” Mr. Cabral also added that the Carnaval celebrations attract tourists from all over. “Since this is a one-of-a-kind event we have people from all over the globe coming in. While the spirit of this celebration is contagious, we have taken into account aspects like safety, security and cleanliness which will ensure that the celebration is a truly memorable one.”

Anticipating a larger participation and tourist footfalls for Carnaval in Goa this year, the state authorities have drawn up elaborate plans and measures to ensure 100 per cent safety for everyone and have increased deployment of police force at tourist spots. The process of increasing room inventory for tourists is also on.

Carnaval festivities all across the State have been chalked out by respective carnaval committees.

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) is also organizing the annual Wine Festival ‘Grape Escapade 2016’ from February 4-7, 2016 at the D. B. Bandodkar Grounds, Campal. This is the 12th edition of the Wine and Lifestyle Festival.

‘Grape Escapade’ is Asia’s biggest wine festivals where all the big names in the industry converge to dialogue, taste wines and engage in B2B with stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector.

An array of programmes, folklore, music and dance performances will be presented, while food courts and Goan delicacies will also be banqueted during the four day wine festival.

“AIDA AURA CRUISE SHIP WELCOMED BY GOA TOURISM ON 18th February 2016”

Panjim, feb 19 -- GoaTourism along with Mormugao Port Trust accorded a grand welcome to foreign tourists who arrived in Goa, on board Cruise vessel “AIDA AURA” on 18th February 2016. The ship carrying 1,405 passengers and 408 crew members docked at MPT Harbour where it was welcomed with much festivity and gaiety.

Mr. Deepak Narvekar, PRO, Goa Tourism Development Corporation & Mrs. Fernanda Vales – Assistant Tourist Officer, Department of Tourism extended a warm welcome to the visiting guests. A Brass Band and distribution of rose buds greeted every passenger as they disembarked.

A Cultural programme was also organized presenting various Goan folk dances, music and songs. The foreign tourists mostly from Germany were given a brief insight into the various facets of Goa through display boards and literature.

The cruise vessel which sailed from Mangalore to Goa later set sail to Muscat the same evening with the foreign tourists expressing gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to them.