Team Herald
PANJIM: Running in its fourth year, Goa Tourism Development Corporation’s (GTDC) monsoon trekking expedition is likely to be extended till the upcoming tourist season in view of enormous response from trekkers.
As it gears up to hold yet another trekking to Savari Waterfall at Sanguem this Sunday, the weekly outing has garnered increasing response from Goan hikers and nature lovers as well as visitors from the other States.
“This year, we had few foreigners joining the locals and domestic tourists. The trekking expedition has seen many trekkers from Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Belgaum, Kolhapur and other places besides Goans. We might extend the excursion till the winter or summer season depending on the response from the people,” GTDC official Anil Dalal, who has been accompanying the trekkers to designated sites, told Herald.
With GTDC Chairman Nilesh Cabral and the entire management overseeing the expedition, this would be the first time the trek will continue even after the monsoon. This will, however, depend on whether it gets a nod from the government.
On an average each trip receives 30 participants, Dalal said adding that some trips have also got 80 and above trekkers. The expedition this year commenced on June 17 and will continue till September 10 or October. Incidentally, the annual tourist season in the State commences from October with the arrival of chartered tourists from different countries. “We are planning to hold at least 20 expeditions, however, during the Ganesh festivity it might be suspended for a week, but there is no final decision yet on this,” he added.
The trekking expedition was launched as part of raindrop tourism in a bid to attract tourists not only during the tourist season but off-season too.
