Meaningful celebrations mark World Tourism Day in Goa
Panjim, 27 September: Meaningful celebrations by Goa Tourism in keeping with the theme of promoting tourism for all and ensuring universal accessibility marked World Tourism Day on Tuesday, 27th September 2016.
On the occasion, Goa Tourism and Goa Tourism Development Corporation announced plans of ensuring proper access’ for tourists with disabilities and providing all tourism projects, tourist spots and locations with access’ for tourists with special needs. The SPV Cell of GTDC has been entrusted with the task of implementing the same.
The day began with a special boat cruise on Santa Monica for children with special needs where 150 children from Sanjay School and Disha School enjoyed a two hour cruise ride cum cultural programme.
A team of experts led by Commissioner Disabilities, Govt. of Goa, Anuradha Joshi spoke on the needs for catering to tourists with special needs.
It was pointed out that Goa is a popular State for tourists with disabilities and that Goa Tourism must ensure access’ that will draw these footfalls to the State in large numbers.
Mr. Nilesh Cabral, Chairman GTDC in a speech today said, “Goa Tourism is doing everything it can to take tourism to a different level and we will not leave a stone unturned in catering to the need of tourists with special needs, while also catering to high end tourists and all visitors to the State.”
Mr. Cabral spoke at a cultural programme organized by Goa Tourism and Goa Tourism Development Corporation at the Paryatan Bhavan. Also present for the function were Director of Tourism, Mr Sanjeev Gaun Dessai, Managing Director of GTDC, Mr. Nikhil Desai, and all officials of Goa Tourism and GTDC.
A book titled ‘UMOJA Guide to Goa, Best of Wheelchair Accessibility’ (2016-2017 edition) was also released by Mr. Nilesh Cabral. Chairman, GTDC
A special blood donation camp was also held at the Paryatan Bhavan where staff from Goa Tourism and GTDC donated blood for a cause.
In the early hours of the morning, Goa Tourism and India Tourism welcomed tourists arriving in Goa at Goa airport, Dabolim, Margao Railway Station and Panjim inter-state bus depot.
The India Tourism and Travel Tourism Association of Goa also organized programmes to mark World Tourism Day in association with Goa Tourism.