Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: As part of its strategy to diversify tourism offerings and attract international markets, Goa Tourism hosted a 10-member delegation of Omani travel and tourism stakeholders at the historic Aguad Port and Jail Complex in Sinquerim.
The familiarisation trip, organised under the ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’ campaign, included a guided tour of the 17th-century Portuguese fort, its refurbished prison cells, and curated narratives showcasing Goa’s heritage.
Calling the visit an “extraordinary experience,” Mohamed Mahdi, managing director of Discover Oman, said the delegation gained a deeper understanding of the fort’s history and its significance. Ameer AlBalushi, sales manager at Oman Air, described the tour as “enriching” and praised the storytelling that brought the site alive.
Originally built by the Portuguese to guard against Dutch and Maratha forces and to serve as a fresh-water hub for passing ships, Aguada later functioned as a prison until after Goa’s liberation. Today, the restored Aguad Port and Jail Complex has been repurposed into a cultural space featuring a tech-enabled museum, exhibitions, art, and performances, positioning it as one of Goa’s most unique heritage attractions.
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