Aguad Port and Jail Complex Wins 'Visitor Engagement Award' at IITM Bengaluru 2026 for Its Immersive Heritage Experience
The Aguad Port & Jail Complex winning the Visitor Engagement Award at IITM Bengaluru 2026 is a great example of how heritage destinations can stand out by blending immersive storytelling with sustainable practices.
Why Aguad Stood Out
- Immersive booth design: Instead of a standard tourism stall, they recreated a prison cell from the 400-year-old Aguad Jail, letting visitors step “behind bars” and feel the atmosphere before even visiting Goa.
- Interactive experiences: The mugshot photo corner with playful placards (“Prisoner No. 1612,” “I Survived Aguad Jail”) became a social media hit, sparking organic buzz.
- Digital-first engagement: QR codes replaced printed brochures, reducing paper waste and aligning with green initiatives. Trade partners received info decks via email.
- Comprehensive showcase: Beyond the jail museum, they highlighted heritage walks, art exhibitions, waterfront dining, Solita Cruises, and boat transfers — positioning Aguad as a multi-dimensional destination.
Strategic Impact
- Reinforces Aguad’s role as a leading heritage tourism site in Goa.
- Demonstrates how experiential marketing can convert curiosity into actual travel plans.
- Shows commitment to sustainability and innovation, which resonates strongly with modern travelers and trade partners.
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