Panaji, Mar 18 (IANS): Goa tourism is in for a facelift, with the state government keen on shopping for a "brand consultant" after appointing a public relations agency.

Goa tourism minister Dilip Parulekar told the Goa legislative assembly Monday in a written reply that the PR agency and the brand consultant would help "create (a) positive image about the state within India and abroad".

While the Goa government has already appointed Adfactors PR agency, the "tourism department is in the process of appointing" a brand consultant, Parulekar said.

As part of the facelift, tourism authorities in Goa are also in the process of setting up high-profile tourism generating avenues like golf courses, marinas, floating hotels, luxury cruises and starting heli-tourism in the state.

"Establishment of a PGA (Professional Golfers Association) standard golf course and allied hospitality activities, luxury cruises, floatels to boost quality tourism through private sector participation in north Goa, for which process is underway to obtain central assistance," Parulekar said.

"Steps have also been initiated for the development of tourism infrastructure projects like heli-tourism and amphibian aircraft," Parulekar said, adding that the state would also develop two tourism circuits, one each in north and south Goa.

The minister also said that the Goa government was in the process of engaging a consultant in order to formulate a tourism master plan, to guide the state's tourism agenda.

"Engagement of a world class consultant to formulate a new tourism master plan and policy document and a comprehensive expression of interest has already been invited," Parulekar said, adding that the consultant will also help the government by advising it on the formation of a tourism promotion board.