DOHA: In a strategic push to boost sports tourism, Goa Tourism showcased the state’s diverse adventure and sporting offerings at a recently held Tourism Roadshow here.
The event brought together travel and hospitality stakeholders to explore collaborative opportunities between Goa and Qatar in the growing sector of sports tourism.
Highlighting Goa’s rich tourism appeal, Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said, “Through this roadshow in Qatar, we aim to showcase Goa’s spiritual heritage, vibrant hinterlands, and our expanding adventure, MICE, and sports tourism segments.”
The roadshow featured a “Goa Evening” — a cultural showcase that included traditional folk dance performances, a destination presentation, and a special film that highlighted the variety of tourism experiences the state offers.
Shawn Mendes, Officer on Special Duty to the Minister of Tourism, emphasized Goa’s growing footprint in international sports events. “Goa already hosts several major sporting activities, including the Ironman 70.3, which is the largest format triathlon globally. We also host the Rainforest Challenge and have organized the 2023 and 2024 editions of the WTT Star Contender in table tennis,” he said.
The Ironman 70.3, scheduled for November this year, includes a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run — a significant draw for endurance athletes from across the world.
Mendes also noted Goa’s potential as a family-friendly sports destination. “The sports ecosystem is already in place, and families enjoy combining sports events with holiday experiences in Goa,” he added.
On the potential collaboration with Qatar, Mendes said, “Tourism is always about connecting people. We’re open to dialogue and exploring an exchange in sports tourism with Qatar. Conversations with Qatar Airways are ongoing to increase tourist flow both ways.”
Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), highlighted Goa’s expanding adventure sports portfolio, which includes paragliding, parasailing, hot air ballooning, and bungee jumping.
Regarding collaboration with Qatar, Arolkar stated, “If we receive a proposal through the Indian Commission here in Doha, we would be happy to consider an adventure sports exchange program.”
With mutual interest brewing, both Goa and Qatar are looking to leverage their strengths in tourism and sports to build a dynamic cross-cultural exchange that boosts visitor engagement and elevates their profiles as global sports tourism hubs.
