Beach Tourism
TRAVEL TRADE GAZETTE
www.ttgliue.com
! 5 October 2004
60 DESTINATION
India
A rep recommends
Beaches, baltis and bargains... it's iieaven
As the summer sun sets in Europe, holidaymakers seek other destinations to top up their tan. Here, a former rep working in India explains why your clients will love a winter break in Goa
a
THE people, the colours, the smell5, the music, the traditions and the landscape there's no questioning it, southern India is a feast for the senses, I fell in love with the country and its rituals the first time ! visited. The ornate temples are only matched by the spellbinding local customs which manifest on every street corner, lush field and quiet beach. Without doubt the main attraction in Goa has to be its beaches. During the winter, masses of European tourists descend on its resorts as the summer destinations back home begin to cool down. But it's not just about the beaches - there are plenty of other attractions. Goa is beautifully unspoilt (like Spain was some 35 years ago) with sandy beaches that are dotted with beach shacks serving fabulous food - all the more remarkable considering the lack of running water and electricity. The food in Goa is mouthwatering whatever you choose, whether its a typical Indian (did you know the vindaloo originates from Goa?), Thai, Chinese, Tibetan, Mongolian or Mediterranean. I've even sampled a first-class roast beef and yorkshire pudding, but that's another story! Not only is the food good, but it's also incredibly cheap. Clients cannot
Hilary June Halligan worked for Cosmos in Majorca for 11 years, spending the winter seasons as a rep in Goa
"Clients cannot believe they can eat and drink so well for so little"
believe they can eat and drink so well, for so little. A huge fresh seafood platter will cost less than £5 - and that's being extravagant You can eat quite handsomely for a matter of pennies. If you are on a budget then shopping in Goa will not break it. Everyone
www.ttgliue.com
! 5 October 2004
60 DESTINATION
India
A rep recommends
Beaches, baltis and bargains... it's iieaven
As the summer sun sets in Europe, holidaymakers seek other destinations to top up their tan. Here, a former rep working in India explains why your clients will love a winter break in Goa
a
THE people, the colours, the smell5, the music, the traditions and the landscape there's no questioning it, southern India is a feast for the senses, I fell in love with the country and its rituals the first time ! visited. The ornate temples are only matched by the spellbinding local customs which manifest on every street corner, lush field and quiet beach. Without doubt the main attraction in Goa has to be its beaches. During the winter, masses of European tourists descend on its resorts as the summer destinations back home begin to cool down. But it's not just about the beaches - there are plenty of other attractions. Goa is beautifully unspoilt (like Spain was some 35 years ago) with sandy beaches that are dotted with beach shacks serving fabulous food - all the more remarkable considering the lack of running water and electricity. The food in Goa is mouthwatering whatever you choose, whether its a typical Indian (did you know the vindaloo originates from Goa?), Thai, Chinese, Tibetan, Mongolian or Mediterranean. I've even sampled a first-class roast beef and yorkshire pudding, but that's another story! Not only is the food good, but it's also incredibly cheap. Clients cannot
Hilary June Halligan worked for Cosmos in Majorca for 11 years, spending the winter seasons as a rep in Goa
"Clients cannot believe they can eat and drink so well for so little"
believe they can eat and drink so well, for so little. A huge fresh seafood platter will cost less than £5 - and that's being extravagant You can eat quite handsomely for a matter of pennies. If you are on a budget then shopping in Goa will not break it. Everyone