Against the backdrop of an advisory issued by the UK government for its citizens visiting Goa, the Tourism department today said the coastal state was absolutely safe for tourists.
Referring to the death of a British woman in March this year in Goa, the advisory had asked people to be aware about the incidents of drinks being spiked.
However, state Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar said the coastal safe was a safe destination for both domestic as well as foreign students.
"Goa is a safe destination for foreign as well as domestic tourists. The law of the land is strong enough to protect and safeguard the guests who are arriving here," the minister said in a statement.
He said various measures had been taken for the safety of tourists to ensure their "trouble-free" vacation.
The minister appealed to tourists to adhere to rules and against getting involved in any illegal activities.
"We are taking stock of safety and security measures for tourists at regular intervals considering the fact that tourist footfalls to Goa are increasing every year," the minister said.
Goa now receives six million tourists- both domestic and foreign--in comparison to 2006 when the footfall stood at two million.
The body of the 28-year-old British woman Danielle McLaughlin, who was allegedly raped and murdered, was found on a beach in south Goas Canacona in March this year. A local history-sheeter was arrested in connection with the crime.
