NT Reporter
Panaji
State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPwD) Guruprasad Pawaskar said that inclusive tourism is not
just about access, it is
about dignity, participation, and equal opportunities
for persons with disabilities to experience joy, travel, and recreation like everyone else.
“This initiative shows how thoughtful planning, accessible infrastructure, and inter-departmental coordination can create truly inclusive experiences. The government of Goa remains firm in promoting accessible tourism and ensuring that our public services and destinations are welcoming to all,” he said.
He was speaking during an inclusive tourism programme organised by 18NotOut, an organisation based in Bengaluru that works to empower children with disabilities and their families through inclusive experiences.
As part of the initiative, 18NotOut had organised a three-day trip to Goa with around 30-40 participants.
The group included persons with locomotor and visual disabilities, including wheelchair users. The aim of the visit was to promote social inclusion, recreation, and learning while ensuring dignity, safety, and accessibility.
To meet the group’s mobility needs, the SCPwD office requested support from the Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL). KTCL provided low-floor electric buses with ramps, ensuring safe and barrier-free travel throughout the tour.
The itinerary included pick-ups from Vasco railway station and Mopa airport, visits to churches, forts, temples, museums, beaches, a sunset cruise, a heritage walk at Fontainhas, and a trip to Chorao island, with ferry boarding support arranged for accessibility.
A trial experiential visit was also facilitated, where participants took part in activities such as scuba diving and jet-ski rides. Medical support was arranged through the Old Goa Primary Health Centre.
The initiative aligns with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016,
and reflects Goa’s commitment to inclusive and accessible tourism.
