More to Goa than beaches

Goa Tourism is offering a panoply of products to foreign and domestic visitors to the state, including adventure sports, new convention facilities, wellness tourism, a family theme park, even a new airport. A boost in tourist arrivals is awaited as the state hopes that they will now be more willing to explore a Goa beyond its beaches.

TT Bureau

In a bid to make Goa one of the most coveted destinations in India for tourists, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) is taking a number of steps. Nikhil Desai, Managing Director, GTDC, says that while a number of initiatives have already been taken, most of which are at the implementation stage, some new ones will be launched soon. Among them is a world-class convention centre in Dona Paula near Panaji, with a seating capacity for 5,000 people, and a mini expo centre.

In addition to this, a ropeway project will also be underway soon, within the next three to four months

Tourist facilities and services

To make Goa the number one adventure hub in the country, GTDC is offering several adventure sports such as river rafting, scuba diving, parasailing, paragliding, and hot air ballooning. “We have introduced India’s second highest bungee jumping facility at Mayem Lake and have tied up with reputed private operators to ensure safety,” shares Desai.

A full-fledged family theme park is also in the offing here.

GTDC is also working on developing Farmagudi, near the temple town of Ponda, into a wellness-cum-spiritual tourism hub, which will also serve as a centre for Yoga. “In addition to this, a ropeway project will also be underway soon, within the next three to four months,” he says.

With Colva Beach being selected as an ‘Iconic Site’, GTDC is looking forward to implementing the scheme and ensuring that it is counted amongst the best in the world. “We have already introduced lifeguard facilities at our beaches and 9oa is the first state to do so. We have about 750 lifeguards, posted on all the beaches in Goa, to ensure that visitors remain safe and secure,” adds Desai.

Infrastructure development

Another important development is construction of Mopa Airport, which is expected to boost regional, domestic, as well as international connectivity. Desai shares that though work has already begun, owing to some legal issues, there is a slight hold up, but the project is still expected to be completed within the time frame stipulated by the government. He adds that even the highway connecting North and South Goa is being increased to six lanes. “In addition, we are introducing several new tourism facilities like an underwater submarine, giant wheels, and bike tourism circuits that would allow tourists to hire bikes and go to nearby places like Hampi. A hanging restaurant, which would go up to 100 metres in the sky, is also in the offing, and would allow people to get a great view of Goa while enjoying their food,” he adds.