Goa promoting gurudwaras to strengthen religious tourism

GTDC showcases gurudwaras as tourist attractions during the road shows in Jalandhar, Amritsar and Shimla

In a bid to strengthen religious tourism, Goa Government is showcasing gurudwaras in the coastal state to attract Sikh pilgrims from northern states.

Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) showcased gurudwaras as tourist attractions during the road shows in Jalandhar, Amritsar and Shimla recently, besides traditional attractions like the 16th Century churches and temples.

"There is a sizeable population of Sikhs in Goa who visit these gurudwaras. Tourists from northern India too can visit them, which are second to none," GTDC chairman Nilesh Cabral said.

Goa, which attracted 26 lakh tourists last year, is struggling to get the footfalls during rains, when it is off season for the tourism industry.

GTDC has been holding roadshows across the country to invite domestic tourists to the state and is offering special packages for the otherwise lean monsoon season, Cabral said.

He said the GTDC also took to social networking sites to spread awareness about the state.

Cabral said that hinterland tourism was promoted during non-peak months from April to October when tourist swimmers cannot enter sea due to weather conditions.

Tourists are also offered nature trails and glimpse of festivities related to monsoon during their stay here, he added.