The Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), SKAL Goa, and Goa Tourism celebrated the 42nd edition of World Tourism Day with a series of events to underline the importance of adopting a sustainable approach, conserving heritage and rethinking tourism.
In attendance was Tourism Secretary Shri Ravi Dhavan and Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Chairman, GTDC in the presence of TTAG and SKAL officials, state tourism officials, and tourism stakeholders.
The Hon. Chief Minister Shri Pramod Sawant was unable to attend but shared a message. He said, “Tourism is the backbone of the Goan industry and it’s our commitment to make Goa the tourism capital of the country. We are working on skilling our youth through short and long-term courses to create employment for the Goan population.”
Addressing the audience, said Shri Ravi Dhavan, Tourism Secretary, Government of Goa, “Goa is a brand by itself. The state has bounced back well post the pandemic. The state is making strides significantly where tourism is concerned. It’s a proud moment for Goa to have won four national awards. Mopa will be a game changer for tourism in Goa. The season ahead looks bright.”
Said Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Chairman of GTDC and MLA of Savordem, “Post the pandemic, it’s time to rethink tourism as is the theme of World Tourism Day. Goa is more than its beaches. The beauty of Goa lies in its hinterlands. We are going to make extensive efforts to tap into and explore hinterland tourism.”
Addressing the audience Nilesh Shah, President, TTAG said, “The events planned for World Tourism Day speak loud on the focus that is Sustainable Tourism, Conservation, Rejuvenation, Heritage, History and Culture of the state. This event will help to magnify the relevance of the steps being taken by the tourism stakeholder community.” Shah thanked the state government for the initiatives while also requesting the state to improve connectivity across the state, assist with keeping the state clean, and engage in a constant dialogue with tourism stakeholders.
The day-long celebrations included a rally supported by BLive with the purpose of conveying the message of sustainable mobility conducted exclusively on non-fuel vehicles, a thrilling boat ride for the specially-abled children on the Mandovi river, a unique walking tour at the historically sensitive and expansive 88-acre Raj Bhavan estate and multiple other heritage walks in Panjim, Saligao, Margao and Old Goa along with a cooking contest for culinary students and home chefs (women) at Cidade De Goa in association with Institute of Hotel Management (IHM).
A celebratory event was organized with government representatives, bureaucrats, and other esteemed dignitaries at the Taj Resort and Convention Centre. The audience were regaled by a host of traditional dances specific to the region of Goa such as goff, zagor, ghodemodni, madragoa and veer bhadrawill.
Carnival installations across Miramar, Calangute, and Colva were celebrated with serenaders taking to the streets singing sweet melodies in the evening.
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