PANAJI: Rural and cultural tourism can enhance the economic growth of the state and also safeguard cultural heritage, said experts. They were speaking at the ongoing
South Asia
sub regional meeting of NGOs on safeguarding intangible cultural heritage for sustainable development held in
Panaji
on Thursday.
They opined that the prominent features of each village/community in the state should be recognized and learned natives of that village can impart knowledge to visitors.
Vinod Nambiar
of the Vayali folklore group said, "The change should be in the mindset of people creating the policy. Beaches are only one form of attraction, but other aspects should also be marketed to people. There are many other traditions and cultures that can get them interested,"
For this, he suggested that certain belts in Goa can be identified where community cultures are prominent. When people visit, they can engage in activities what that particular community is known for; like cuisine, folk art or craft.
"These small belts can have community-initiated exercises instead of the government identifying the space, the community forms the activity and runs it. This is sustainable development which benefits the community." he said.
Nambiar
also stressed on the need for inclusion of youth in community activities to retain the traditions and cultural practices of indigenous Goa.
"We can create new opportunities where the youth can learn traditional craft and modernize them. They can make these products contemporary and tap the market to sell them. This method of social inclusion can prove to be a good medium of income generation," he said.
Sharing his thoughts on the same,
Amitava Bhattacharya of
Bangalnatak Dot Com
, said that prominent landmarks or activities of each village should be identified and a resident can guide visitors around.
"Village festivals, for instance, are informative for tourists as they learn about a new culture while locals celebrate their heritage. This creates a spirit of local aspiration." he added.
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