Spiritual tourism faces key test

STAKEHOLDERS PIN HOPES ON SACRED AURA OF ST XAVIER TO MAKE UP FOR LACKLUSTRE PUSH; RISING FLIGHT FARES, ACCOMMODATION A CONCERN

- VIBHA VERMA

Old Goa is gearing up for the grand Exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier, which commences on Thursday. While it is expect ed to draw pilgrims and visitors worldwide, stakeholders feel that the government has missed the mark in leverag ing this spiritual spectacle to boost tourism.

Inquiries are trickling in but bookings are reportedly not meeting expectations.

Many stakeholders have lamented a weak promotional strategy for this oncein-a-decade event which of fers a golden opportunity to showcase Goa's rich religious heritage and boost revenue.

Local travel agents argue that there is limited interest from traditionally active pilgrimage markets. Atish Fernandes of First Class Holiday said that they received a few group queries from Poland and Malaysia, but the overall interest in religious tourism is below expectations.