Goa Tourism to Showcase Inclusive and Experiential Tourism ahead of World Tourism Day 2026
Panaji, Sep 22: The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in association with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa, is celebrating World Tourism Day 2026 with a series of programmes that place inclusive, accessible and experiential tourism at the centre of Goa’s tourism narrative.
The celebrations, being held in the week leading to World Tourism Day on September 27, will bring together diverse groups including youth, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and children with special needs, offering them opportunities to experience Goa through a range of curated tourism experiences.
The events reflect Goa’s efforts to broaden its tourism offerings beyond conventional experiences, with activities spanning cycling, kayaking, nature and birdwatching, culinary trails, heritage and museum visits, hinterland exploration and local cultural experiences. The initiatives are designed to encourage greater participation while showcasing the State’s diverse landscapes, traditions, cuisine and communities.
A key focus of the celebration is inclusive tourism, with dedicated experiences for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and children with special needs. Through specially curated boat cruises and other activities, Goa Tourism is working towards creating tourism experiences that are accessible and welcoming to a wider section of society.
Another key component of the celebrations is the integration of technology and innovation into tourism, with a dedicated programme exploring the role of the digital agenda and artificial intelligence in redesigning tourism. This complements the broader focus on creating a tourism ecosystem that is innovative while remaining people-centric and inclusive.
Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, said,
“World Tourism Day is an opportunity for us to look at tourism through a wider lens and ensure that the benefits and experiences of tourism are accessible to more people. This year, our programmes bring together people, mainly youth, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and children with special needs, while showcasing Goa through its nature, cuisine, culture, heritage and hinterland. Our focus is on creating meaningful experiences and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in Goa’s tourism story.”
Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, said,
“Goa has a diverse tourism landscape, and our programmes as part of World Tourism Day are an effort to bring that diversity to the forefront while making participation more inclusive. From nature and adventure to culinary, cultural and heritage experiences, the programmes allow people to discover different facets of Goa. The dedicated experiences for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and children with special needs are an important step towards creating a more accessible and participatory tourism environment.”
The World Tourism Day celebrations will culminate on September 27, 2026, bringing together stakeholders and participants to highlight Goa’s continuing journey towards a tourism model that is inclusive, experiential, diverse and accessible.