Panaji: Goa is set to look beyond its famous beaches this World Tourism Day, with a week-long series of programmes showcasing its nature, cuisine, heritage, culture and hinterland while promoting more inclusive tourism.
The Goa Tourism Department, in association with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), will organise the programmes ahead of World Tourism Day on September 27, bringing together youth, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and children with special needs.
The celebrations will feature a range of experiences, including cycling, kayaking, nature and birdwatching, culinary trails, heritage and museum visits, hinterland exploration and local cultural activities.
A senior Tourism Department official said the initiatives aim to showcase tourism experiences beyond Goa's conventional beach offerings while encouraging greater participation from different sections of society.
As part of the focus on accessible tourism, specially curated experiences, including boat cruises and other activities, will be organised for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and children with special needs.
The celebrations will also explore how technology, digital initiatives and artificial intelligence are reshaping tourism.
"World Tourism Day is an opportunity for us to look at tourism through a wider lens and ensure that the benefits and experiences of tourism are accessible to more people," State Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said.
Director of Tourism Kedar Naik said the programmes will highlight the diversity of Goa's tourism landscape while making participation more inclusive.
"From nature and adventure to culinary, cultural and heritage experiences, the programmes allow people to discover different facets of Goa," he said.
