The government of Goa is striving to have the mountainous region known as the Western Ghats listed as a World Heritage site by Unesco, in a move that could boost the area’s tourist industry.
As part of its campaign, the government will aim to obtain the support of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest, according to the Times of India.
Environment and Forest Minister Alina Saldanha said World Heritage Site accreditation would help to foster international cooperation in the protection of Goa’s rich forests.
“Besides, there will be immense scope for tourists and researchers who like to visit the area and study the diverse species,” the politician added.
Ms Saldanha states that there are in excess of 1,500 different types of plant and rare animal species in the area of the Western Ghats within Goa.
If the government’s efforts come to fruition, the knowledge that the area is a World Heritage Site will add to the attraction for Britons and encourage more to head off from the country’s major airports such as Heathrow and Stansted to the region.
The Western Ghats mountain range spans a length of 1,600 km and it already boasts Unesco recognition in a number of locations, such as Kerala and Karntaka.
At present there are 962 World Heritage sites in the 157 states around the world.
Copyright © Press Association 2012
A leading travel agency has launched a list of the 11 best holiday hotspots for 2011, in a bid to highlight the increasing number of flights leaving UK airports such as Stansted and Luton to a widening variety of destinations.
Santorini - one of the best places to visit in 2011
The list covers a broad spectrum of different destinations to cater for all tastes and needs. Places on the list range from the hustle and bustle of New York City to the serenity of the isolated island retreat of Santorini in Greece.
For those who like to mix up city life with relaxing beach breaks, the list specifies Havana in Cuba as the ideal location.
The rest of the list is made up of Kenya’s Mombasa Island, Cancun in Mexico, the Red Sea in Egypt, the European Capital of Sport for 2011 Valencia in Spain, the 2011 European Capital of Culture Tallinn in Estonia, Goa in India, Istanbul in Turkey and Las Vegas, USA.
The destinations are presented in the form of an interactive graphic for travellers to be inspired by and explore. Customers are also invited to leave feedback on the choices via travel agent’s UK Facebook page and suggest their own top travel tips for 2011.
Once enthused by a destination, prospective travellers can browse the travel agent’s website to find the perfect deal – be it a package holiday, all inclusive holiday, or just the flight or accommodation.
Copyright © Press Association 2011
