In an effort which will provide a boost to security measures in the state of Goa, World Travel & Tourism Council, Indian Initiative has stepped in to assist the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa in setting up the Tourist Security Force (TSF) by today donating a fleet of beach and tourist - spot patrolling vehicles.

The fleet of 15 four-wheelers and 7 two-wheelers equipped with state-of-the-art tracking and monitoring devices as well as wireless transmission services will be deployed along the coastal belt for regular patrolling by the special Tourist Security Force.

The fleet was handed over to the Chief Minister of Goa, Mr. Digambar Kamat at an impressive presentation ceremony at Kala Academy, Panaji, Goa.

The Goa Government is in the process of setting up of the state Tourist Security Force which is manned by ex-service men especially recruited to safeguard tourists who visit Goa. The special force will guard the beach areas, night markets and other popular tourist hot-spots. The first batch of 50 - odd special security guards will be posted soon after being duly screened and trained and will work towards the safety and security of the tourists and will act as a facilitator between tourists and State Police.

Responding to the need of the Goa Government, WTTC (I.I.) pooled in their resources to set up the well equipped fleet of vehicles which will aid in strengthening the state security system. Among those who have contributed towards the setting up of the force are The Leela Kempinski Goa, Taj Group of Hotels, Goa Marriott Resort, , Cidade de Goa, Ramada, Intercontinental - The Lalit, and Kenilworth Beach Resort and Zuri Hotels and Resorts. Tour Operators and Airlines who made a significant contribution include Le Passage to India, Thomas Cook, Sita Travels, Minar Travels, Caper Tours, Classic Holidays and Kingfisher Airlines among others.

Speaking at the hand over ceremony in Goa Mr. Vivek Nair, Vice Chairperson, World Travel and Tourism Council, India Initiative and Vice - Chairman and Managing Director of the Leela Kempinski Group said, that it was indeed satisfying to see the spontaneous response of the tourism industry players to an appeal to donate the fleet of vehicles to the State Tourism Security Force.

Mr. Digambar Kamat, Chief Minister, Government of Goa stated "This fleet of vehicles donated by the World Travel and Tourism Council to the state's Tourist Security Force will immensely help strengthen the state's security system. We are extremely pleased with this initiative. The fully equipped Tourist Security Force will roll out shortly. We will ensure that Goa continues to be a safe tourist destination"

Talking on the initiative of the tourism industry, Mr. Francisco Pacheco, Minister of Tourism, Government of Goa added, "I am extremely happy and delighted that WTTC (I.I) has taken the initiative to donate these vehicles. This move will go a long way in strengthening the Government's efforts to make Goa a safe tourist destination".