MANCHESTER, England: Recent industry figures demonstrate that holidays to Goaare increasingly popular with tourists; On the Beach say Brits are attracted to this destination because of its great beaches and exciting cultural sights.

Figures from Goa Tourism show that visits to the Indian state by tourists have increased markedly over the past year. According to leading online travel agency On the Beach, many of these visitors are British, as seaside resorts in Goa have proven increasingly popular with British holidaymakers.

Foreign visits to Goa in 2010 increased by 17 per cent. Many visitors landed on charter flights, with 899 such services arriving since the tourist season began last October - 261 of these flights came from the UK.

On the Beach has also seen an increase in the number of people taking family holidays to Goa -– the company says this owes to the area’s lovely beaches and fascinating tourist attractions.

Alistair Daly, Marketing Director of On the Beach, says: "Over the past year we have seen a significant increase in the number of bookings to Goa. Indeed, over the winter months it was incredibly popular as people sought to get as far away as possible from the dreary British weather."

Daly continues: "Goa is a truly great destination, as it allows people sample the amazing, exotic culture of India and still have a relaxing holiday on the beach. We expect last minute holidays and family trips to this destination to remain popular over the coming years as people take the opportunity to explore gorgeous seaside resorts in this beautiful part of the world."

About On the Beach:

Founded in 1995, On the Beach is one of the UK’s leading online travel agencies carrying over 500,000 passengers every year (ABTA K0813). On the Beach provides value for money flights and hotels in the world'’s most popular beach holiday destinations. On the Beach provides consumers with a huge selection of travel products, from 50 million available seats, more than 30,000 hotels around the world, insurance and in-resort transfer partners. Customers can book online at http://www.onthebeach.co.uk or by calling the UK call centre on 0870 606 07 08.

As the expert provider of DIY beach holidays to the UK market, On the Beach is so confident of its industry leading position, it offers a market leading price match guarantee for its customers. On the Beach will refund the difference if a lower price is found for the same product on any UK website*.

*Offer applies to exact product match