Goa Tourism participated at ITB Berlin, the world’s largest travel trade show which was held for three days from March 7-9, 2023, in Berlin, Germany.
Goa aimed to promote its inbound tourism and services at ITB Berlin 2023 with special highlight on the hinterland, eco-tourism, culture and heritage of Goa. The intention was to promote the state as a premium all-round tourist destination.
The Goa Tourism Pavilion was inaugurated by Shri. Arvind Singh, Secretary of Tourism, Govt. of India and His Excellency, Shri Harish Parvathaneni, the Indian Ambassador to Germany in the presence of the Goa Tourism delegation.
The state of Goa lies on the Western Coast of India with an area of 3702 km2, bounded by the states of Maharashtra in the north, Karnataka in the south and by the Arabian Sea on the west.
The 105 kilometers of Goa’s coastline are famously made up of sandy beaches and estuaries, and the beaches of Goa have become a major attraction for domestic and international tourists seeking adventure tourism such as Parasailing, Kayaking, Scuba Diving, Surfing, Hot Air Balloon Rides, Snorkeling, Jet Skiing, Helitours (helicopter tours), Bungee Jumping, Bird Watching, Jungle and Spice Farm Tours and many more exciting activities the state offers.
Goa is home to a wide variety of historical and cultural landmarks, such as several churches, like the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which contains the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier, and Se Cathedral in Old Goa, both of which are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The state’s capital, Panaji, also known as Panjim, also has lovely Portuguese homes and a charming Latin quarter called Fontainhas. The state is home to a large number of forts, including Reis Magos, Cabo De Rama, Tiracol, and Corjuem, as well as various temples such as Mangueshi, and Tambdi Surla.
The state is a haven for eco-tourists and nature lovers thanks to its abundant forests, dense jungles, vast marshes, alluring hills, shimmering lakes, meandering rivers, and wildlife sanctuaries like Mollem National Park, Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, and many more that are home to a wide variety of plant, animal, and bird species.
By offering a variety of Nature Hikes, Bike Rides, Heritage Trails and Sightseeing Tours through the serene villages, forests and waterfalls of Goa, the state’s Hinterland Tourism is growing in popularity and enabling visitors and locals to collaborate in order to provide visitors with an authentic Goan experience.
Goa, often known as the “Rome of the East,” has a distinctive cultural heritage that includes folk tales, music, dance, and visual arts. The International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Serendipity Arts Festival, Food and Cultural Festival, Goa Carnival, Shigmo are held in Goa which attract tourists from around the world.
Goa will play host to the G20 Summit in March and April 2023 and the decennial Exposition of the relics of St. Francis Xavier will take place from November 2024 to January 2025 and will be attended by visitors from all over the world.
Goa highlighted upcoming events and festivals and also apprised the trade from Germany about the new Manohar International Airport at Mopa, Goa, which will boost accessibility and connectivity between Europe and Goa.
There are many more places in the state that appeal to tourists and showcase the authentic Goan ethos as well as the diverse and cultural landscape of Goa. In order to attract tourists from Germany and across Europe, Goa Tourism showcased a wide range of tourism offerings at ITB Berlin 2023.
