Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), in collaboration with Soul Travelling and Don Bosco College Panaji, successfully concluded the “Certified Storytelling Course,” a unique initiative designed to nurture a new generation of tourism storytellers and cultural ambassadors in Goa.
The certificate presentation ceremony was held at the Mhadei Board Room of GTDC in Panaji, where participants who completed the programme were felicitated. Goa Tourism audiovisual presentations were also screened during the event.
The function was attended by Kuldeep Arolkar as Chief Guest, along with Gavin Dias, Deepak Narvekar, Teotone Vaz and Varun Hegde.
The initiative reflects Goa Tourism’s increasing focus on experiential, sustainable, and community-oriented tourism by encouraging participants to engage deeply with Goa’s heritage, culture, biodiversity, and local communities.
Designed to move beyond conventional tourism training, the course equipped participants with storytelling, interpretation, hospitality, communication, and guest engagement skills aimed at helping visitors experience Goa through authentic narratives and meaningful cultural connections.
Participants underwent immersive modules covering tourism fundamentals, experiential tourism, Goan history and culture, trail design, nature interpretation, and storytelling techniques. The programme also featured practical field immersions at iconic locations including Old Goa, the Latin Quarters of Panaji, and Chorao Island.
Speaking on the initiative, Kedar J. Naik said, “Goa is much more than a tourist destination; it is a living cultural experience. Through initiatives like the Certified Storytelling Course, we aim to encourage responsible tourism while empowering individuals to showcase Goa’s heritage, traditions, and communities in an authentic and meaningful manner.”
Kuldeep Arolkar highlighted the importance of experiential tourism in today’s travel landscape, noting that modern travellers increasingly seek immersive and culturally rooted experiences.
Gavin Dias spoke about the power of storytelling in creating emotional connections between travellers and destinations, while Deepak Narvekar stressed the importance of promoting sustainable and authentic tourism experiences that showcase Goa beyond its conventional image.
As an experiential travel company empanelled with Goa Tourism, Soul Travelling has consistently focused on presenting Goa through local stories, cultural immersion, and community interactions.
Founder Varun Hegde said the course aimed to create storytellers who could help visitors experience Goa beyond beaches and nightlife by connecting them with the state’s deeper cultural identity.
Prof. Teotone Vaz praised the collaboration for providing students and participants with valuable practical exposure to Goa’s tourism ecosystem and heritage.
Participants also appreciated the blend of classroom learning and practical sessions. Jude Fernandes described the programme as “a perfect blend of theoretical and practical insights,” while Nataliia Poliakova highlighted the immersive nature of the experience.
The programme concluded with interactions led by Nivil De Souza, who encouraged participants to become strong ambassadors for Goa’s tourism and culture.
The Certified Storytelling Course marks another step in Goa Tourism’s efforts to build a tourism ecosystem rooted in authenticity, cultural sensitivity, community participation, and long-term sustainability.
Discover more from Allycaral
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
