Category Archives: States

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) is gearing up to celebrate its annual festival–the Goa Carnaval 2016 from February 6-9, 2016–that draws a huge amount of international and domestic traffic. This year Goa Tourism is working on a European commission project entitled ‘Destination Carnaval’ to improve the standard and quality of the float parade and performances. 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 on February 8 and Mapusa on February 9. GTDC will also organise its annual wine festival called ‘Grape Escapade 2016’ from February 4-8, 2016 at the DB Bandodkar Grounds, Campal.

Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) is all set to organise 15 roadshows across the country starting January 15, 2016. Farooq A. Shah, Secretary Tourism, Jammu & Kashmir and Managing Director, JKTDC, said that Jammu will emerge as an independent tourist destination. “This year Jammu festival will be organised at a large scale to showcase the rich culture tradition and heritage of Jammu and will showcase its immense unexplored tourism potential through these roadshows. Conducted in all metro cities like Hyderabad, Pune, Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and more, the roadshows will also have 10 food festivals organised in specific towns and cities across the country to attract maximum visitors to the state of Jammu & Kashmir. These roadshow will be professionally organised to reach out to the majority of the relevant market segments, which are important for Jammu & Kashmir tourism.    

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has signed a MoU with Pawan Hans to start city tours on a helicopter for tourists from January 7, 2016. The helicopter flights will take off from Juhu airport and fly north, keeping to the city’s west so as not to interfere with air traffic to/from Mumbai airport. The base fare of approximate Rs 320 per minute excluding taxes has been arrived at between the state government and Pawan Hans. A 10 minute inaugural launch ride will cost about Rs 3200, per person. Paraag Jaiin Nainuttia, IAS, MD of MTDC, said, “Initially two choppers will be in service for Mumbai Darshan. The idea is to provide an enthralling experience to the tourists and boost potential tourism in state. Gradually, we will shift rides and tours to south Mumbai and then to Matheran, Murud-Janjira, Aurangabad (Ajanta-Ellora), Nashik, Shirdi, Konkan beaches and Tadoba forest near Nagpur.” Bookings can be made at Pawan Hans’s reservation number 022 2626 1700 or at MTDC reservation office. Government issued photo identity will be required to make the booking.