Panaji, Feb 20 (IANS): Two weeks after a government minister called domestic tourists "scum of the earth", Goa Governor Mridula Sinha on Monday said Goans believe in the philosophy of 'Atithi Devo Bhava'.

"'Atithi Devo Bhava' has always been the attitude of Goa and Goans. Goa is one of the famous tourist destinations. Tourism industry contributes a major portion in the state income. The total tourists' arrival in Goa is more than four times of the population of Goa," Sinha said on the first day of the budget session of the Goa legislative assembly.

"My government's priority is to provide quality infrastructure and promote tourism sector in all spheres of the State. The Union Ministry for Tourism has sanctioned nearly Rs 200 crore under Swadesh Darshan, a scheme for upgrading basic amenities and tourist-friendly infrastructure along the coastal circuit of the State," she said.

Sinha's comment came two weeks after Goa's Agriculture minister Vijai Sardesai called more than six million domestic tourists annually landing in Goa as "scum of the earth".

After being criticised for his comment, Sardesai subsequently said that he was only referring to a small chunk of the tourist population.