The Goa government has asked foreign tourists visiting the coastal state to be dressed appropriately, especially while driving a two wheeler.
"Never ride a two-wheeler without clothes on the upper part of the body" says an advisory issued by the state tourism department. In what seems to be a fall out of recent statements by local politicians condemning skimpy dressing by foreigners, the tourism department has come out with 'Dos' and Don'ts for the visitors. The booklet is printed in English and Russian. Of the four lakh foreigners visiting Goa annually, the British and Russians top the chart followed by Germans. Recommending a dress code, the department has said that while the Goan attitude to informal European styles of dress is generally tolerant, local religious or other sensibilities should be borne in mind. "If in doubt take local advice especially with regard to topless bathing. Nudity on beaches and public places is strictly forbidden," the guidelines, which are made available through tourist counters and hotels, read. Goa MP Shantaram Naik recently had alleged that scantily clad Russians were corrupting the locals. State Tourism Director Swapnil Naik said that the pocket booklet aims at educating the tourists. "In America, even if you apply for visa they give you such booklets," he said. The booklet, distributed free of cost, also mentions that riding without helmet is an offence _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. https://signup.live.com/signup.aspx?id=60969
