Panaji, Nov 3 Goa is seeking to expand its tourism profile beyond beaches and leisure travel by positioning itself as an international destination for sporting events with the state government now looking to attract athletes and sports enthusiasts from across the world.
Goa Tourism Minister Rohan A Khaunte said sports tourism was a key part of the state’s strategy to diversify its tourism offerings, attract visitors throughout the year and create opportunities for local businesses and communities.
“Sports tourism is an important part of Goa’s vision to diversify its tourism offerings and establish the state as a destination for experiences throughout the year,” he said.
Hosting international sporting events would help attract new categories of visitors, encourage longer stays and promote tourism beyond conventional holiday seasons, Khaunte said.
The state’s growing sporting calendar includes endurance competitions, international rugby tournaments, professional volleyball and long-distance running events.
The sixth edition of IRONMAN 70.3 Goa, held recently at Miramar, attracted more than 2,000 athletes from over 30 countries, including more than 150 participants from Goa.
Since its inaugural edition in 2019, the event has helped establish Goa on the international endurance sports calendar, attracting participants who travel specifically for the competition.
The state also hosted the third edition of the GOA 7s International Rugby Festival from October 30 to November 1. The three-day tournament brought together 20 teams across men’s and women’s rugby sevens and mixed touch categories, including three international clubs from Qatar, the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka.
Players from several rugby-playing nations, including New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, France, Spain, Japan, the United States, Nepal, Papua New Guinea and Russia, participated in the festival.
In addition, the fifth season of the Prime Volleyball League is scheduled to begin on November 30. The competition will feature 10 franchises, including Goa’s own team, Goa Guardians, and will bring together leading Indian and international players.
The 16th edition of the SKF Goa River Marathon is scheduled to be held in Vasco da Gama on December 13. Organisers expect participation to cross 7,500 runners from India and abroad.
In the previous edition, runners from all 28 Indian states and at least 21 foreign countries participated, with outstation athletes accounting for around 65 per cent of the total participants, according to the organisers.
Director of Tourism Kedar Naik said the variety of sporting events being hosted in Goa was attracting visitors who might not have traditionally considered the state for their travel plans.
“The variety of events being hosted here gives visitors more reasons to come to Goa at different times of the year. It also allows us to showcase the state’s varied landscapes, hospitality and facilities to people who experience a destination through sport,” he said.
The tourism department sees sporting events as an opportunity to bring together travel, hospitality, local experiences and community participation while promoting Goa as a year-round tourism destination.
(PTI News)
