Goa would be the theme state at next year's Surajkund crafts mela in Haryana, a senior tourism department official said here today.
The state-level marketing committee, at its meeting yesterday, accepted the proposal from Haryana government requesting Goa to be the theme state for the Surajkund International Craft Mela, scheduled to be held in February next year.
Goa will showcase its food, culture, art and handicrafts at the festival which is attended by about one million tourists from 20 countries, the official said. The state will have its special pavilion during the 15-day festival.
Goa tourism ministry has been trying to divert tourist footfall from the beaches in the state to the hinterland by promoting cultural and heritage tourism. The state attracts 24 lakh tourists annually.
Surajkund is an annual fair that showcases the finest handlooms, handicrafts and flavours of India with artisans from every corner of the country participating in the event.
