Goa Tourism has created history by winning the prestigious PATWA award in the Best Beach Destination category here on the second day of the world biggest travel and tourism exhibition - ITB Berlin. The award was given by Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) and was received by Mr. Dilip Parulekar, Tourism Minister, at a glittering awards ceremony attended by luminaries from the global travel trade industry on March 7, 2013. The award function was held at the International Congress Centre (ICC) on the sidelines of the ITB Berlin. The award has been given in recognition of the positive steps being undertaken by the state government for improving the image of Goa as a safe and attractive tourism destination by implementing the concept of tourist police, proper regulation of beach shacks and water sports, improvement of infrastructure on all beaches, formulation of tourism master plan and new tourism policy for the state, innovative marketing and promotion methods etc. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Parulekar expressed his satisfaction and felt that the award will cement Goa's position as one of the best beach destinations in the world. He further said that the state government will rapidly ensure completion of all tourism infrastructure works and ensure that Goa becomes a safe and a year round tourism destination. He felt that the award will boost international tourist arrivals in the state as Goa will get positive publicity all over the world. He thanked PATWA for conferring this award on Goa. PATWA was established during the PATA Conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The aim of PATWA is to promote professional development of travel writing and travel communication which makes invaluable contribution in the promotion of tourism. PATWA will support the fundamental objectives of PATA efforts for tourism and at the same time it will maintain adherence to the fundamental principles of the UNESCO, United Nations and of the World Tourism Organisation.