Roadshows important in Showcasing Goa’s Rich Heritage, Culture but is it benefiting Goa?

Goa, the small Indian state known for its stunning beaches and vibrant party scene, is working towards transforming its image into a region celebrated for its rich culture and tradition. An integral part of this transformation involves the participation in travel exhibitions, roadshows, and events both in India and abroad. These initiatives are crucial for highlighting Goa’s authentic heritage and showcasing its diverse cultural offerings to the world.
Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, emphasized the significance of roadshows as a means to diversify Goa’s tourism base and attract a wider range of visitors. He highlighted the increasing interest in Goa from key markets such as the UK and Russia, attributing this to the state’s appeal beyond its beaches.
The Minister stressed the vital role of Goa’s participation in various national and international roadshows, stating that these events serve as crucial platforms for promoting Goa’s tourism potential and establishing connections with travel industry stakeholders.
However, the questions raised by Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai are also relevant. They are pertinent to the current trend.
While the State has spent over crores for road shows, the question is how much has Goa benefitted from it.
While roadshows are important the question arises are we making judicious use of this or are we sending people just for junkets?
Of course, the way Vijai Sardesai put this or Yuri Alemao did may be wrong they deviated from the core issue and went on the corruption angle while Sardesai also made a gaffe of alleging that Khaunte went on a Spain trip thrice.
If they had not distracted from the original issue of how much Goa has benefitted, it would have been difficult for Khaunte to reply.
One key aspect of Goa’s participation in these roadshows is the collaborative involvement of industry stakeholders and decision-makers. The Empower Committee, which consults the industry for selecting roadshows and exhibitions, plays a pivotal role in driving Goa’s global tourism appeal. Notable agreements with industry giants such as MakeMyTrip, MasterCard, and Airbnb have emerged through this collaborative participation, further enhancing Goa’s positioning as a global tourism destination.
Furthermore, the roadshows feature components of Regenerative Tourism that highlight Goa’s multifaceted attractions, encouraging tourists to explore beyond the beaches. These events emphasize the importance of promoting Regenerative Tourism practices, which focus on sustainability and community engagement. Such an approach not only enhances the visitor experience but also supports local economies.
Homestays are also a significant component of this strategy, offering tourists an authentic experience of Goan culture and lifestyle while directly benefiting local families and communities.
The strategic emphasis on showcasing Goa’s cultural richness and diverse attractions during these roadshows is aimed at changing the narrative and expanding the state’s tourism appeal. It also reflects the broader vision of shifting the perception of Goa from being solely a beach destination to one that includes regenerative tourism, cultural heritage, and unique homestay experiences.
Participation in travel exhibitions, roadshows, and events is playing a pivotal role in transforming Goa’s image and attracting tourists interested in exploring the state’s diverse cultural offerings. By leveraging these platforms, Goa is effectively showcasing its rich heritage and culture to the world, ultimately bolstering its position as a multifaceted and alluring tourism destination.