Category: Travel

Travel

Goa Tourism Highlights Regenerative Tourism Through Rural & Heritage Experiences on World Tourism Day 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, 26th September 2025 – As part of the World Tourism Day 2025 celebrations, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) and SKAL International Goa, curated a vibrant set of immersive experiences focused on community, culture, and sustainability.

A highlight of the celebrations was the rural tourism experience at Mulgao Village. Visitors were guided through a traditional coconut farm where they learned about the production of Virgin Coconut Oil and were introduced to local deities and folk legends that form part of the region’s intangible heritage. The serene natural surroundings and storytelling format gave participants an intimate glimpse into Goa’s agrarian traditions and regenerative tourism practices.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, expressed, “Through such rural experiences, we are showcasing Goa’s authentic culture and supporting local communities. Mulgao exemplifies how heritage and livelihood can go hand in hand when tourism is designed responsibly.”

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added, “The enthusiastic participation in the Mulgao Village Experience demonstrates the growing appeal of community-based tourism. We will continue to curate such experiences across Goa to highlight our state’s diversity and sustainability practices.”

In parallel, Goa Tourism also organized a special Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) Bus Tour for children from Bal Bhavan. This initiative offered young students an exciting, educational journey through key tourist attractions across North Goa. The Hon’ble Minister also took the opportunity to interact with the children and handed out Goa Tourism caps as a souvenir of their experience.

The day’s activities were designed to highlight the broader vision of “Goa Beyond Beaches” and reflect the Department’s commitment to regenerative tourism that prioritizes cultural preservation, environmental care, and inclusive community participation.

Looking ahead, Goa Tourism has lined up a series of events as part of the extended World Tourism Day celebrations. These include scenic boat cruises, a Tourism Stakeholders’ Meet at Grand Hyatt Goa, and a special film festival at ESG that will showcase Goa’s heritage and conservation narratives.

The 2025 edition of World Tourism Day serves as a reaffirmation of Goa’s evolving role as a model for sustainable and community-led tourism in India.

Travel

Goa Prepares for 2025–26 Tourism Season with New Flights from Russia and Kazakhstan

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa is set to welcome the 2025–26 tourism season with a boost in international air connectivity. Starting October 2, three new weekly flights from Novosibirsk will land at Manohar International Airport in Mopa, further strengthening the state’s appeal to Russian tourists. These new services join the existing Aeroflot flights from Ekaterinburg and Moscow, bringing the total number of weekly Russian arrivals to nine.

The state’s tourism authorities have also confirmed that charter flights from Kazakhstan will begin operating from October 25, adding to Goa’s diverse international connectivity and reinforcing its position as a premier destination for global travelers.

Tourism officials anticipate a significant rise in inbound tourists due to the increased flight frequency, which is expected to benefit local hotels, transport services, and cultural attractions. With seamless connections from major Russian cities and now Kazakhstan, Goa is strategically enhancing its global reach.

The tourism season coincides with the peak festive period, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy Goa’s scenic beaches, vibrant culture, and rich heritage. Authorities emphasize that the enhanced air connectivity will also support economic growth and local employment in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

As Goa continues to expand its tourism infrastructure, these new flights mark a significant step in strengthening the state’s international tourism footprint and making travel more convenient for visitors from across the globe.

Travel

Goa Tourism Hosts Heritage Walk, Forest Picnic & Carambolim Lake Experience for World Tourism Day 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

As part of the celebrations for World Tourism Day 2025, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), SKAL International Goa, and the Yuva Tourism Club, hosted a series of enriching tourism experiences across the state. These included a captivating Heritage Walk at the Aguad Port & Jail Complex, a tranquil ‘Picnic by the Forest Stream’ in Bicholim, and a serene Nature Experience at Carambolim Lake. Each event was designed to deepen appreciation for Goa’s historical, cultural, and ecological richness.

These initiatives align with Goa Tourism’s vision of promoting regenerative and experiential tourism. By bringing together students, tourism stakeholders, and visitors, the activities encouraged a stronger connection to Goa’s diverse landscapes and stories. The Heritage Walk at Aguad introduced participants to fascinating chapters of Goa’s colonial history, while the forest picnic in Bicholim offered a moment of peace and community in the heart of nature. At Carambolim Lake, visitors learned about the region’s wetland biodiversity, underlining the importance of conservation efforts.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized the importance of such inclusive initiatives in shaping Goa’s tourism identity, noting that blending heritage, nature, and community engagement is key to making tourism meaningful. Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, highlighted how these events foster awareness about sustainability and responsible travel among young participants and tourism partners. He noted the enthusiastic participation from educational institutions and stakeholders as a positive sign for the future of tourism in the state.

The World Tourism Day celebrations will continue in the coming days with a grand Tourism Stakeholders’ Meet at Grand Hyatt Goa and a special Film Festival at the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), showcasing stories of heritage and conservation. These initiatives not only celebrate tourism but also reaffirm Goa’s commitment to fostering a tourism model that is inclusive, sustainable, and deeply rooted in its unique identity.

Travel

GTDC to Host Monsoon Trekking Expedition to Tonir Cascade on September 28

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) is offering adventure and nature lovers a rare opportunity to explore one of Goa’s lesser-known natural gems — the Tonir Cascade in Sattari. Scheduled for September 28, 2025, this monsoon trekking expedition is designed to showcase the lush beauty of the Mhadei region during its most vibrant season.

The trek spans approximately 8 kilometers, and is a blend of light adventure and accessible terrain, suitable for all fitness levels. Participants will make their way through scenic forest paths, wade across rain-fed rivers, and navigate natural obstacles such as fallen tree trunks — all adding to the sense of immersive exploration. The trek is expected to take around 1.5 hours of brisk walking one way.

The final reward is a view of the stunning Tonir Cascade, tucked away deep within the forest, and especially majestic during the monsoon season. The journey is as much about the path as the destination, with opportunities to engage with Goa’s rich biodiversity and undisturbed natural environment.

Participants will depart from Paryatan Bhavan, Patto, at 8:00 AM, with transportation included in the ₹1400 registration fee. The trek is open to individuals of all ages who are passionate about nature, eco-tourism, and offbeat travel.

GTDC has issued a list of recommended essentials for the trek: an extra set of clothes, waterproof rainwear, sturdy trekking shoes, snacks, and binoculars for wildlife spotting. For safety and to preserve the ecological integrity of the area, smoking and alcohol consumption will not be allowed during the expedition.

This monsoon trek offers a structured and safe experience for anyone eager to discover the unspoiled monsoon landscapes of Goa while supporting sustainable tourism.

Travel

Hon’ble Minister Rohan A. Khaunte Flags Off KTC Electric Bus Service Between Mapusa and Panjim

Tanisha Cardozo

In a progressive move toward greener and smarter mobility solutions, the Kadamba Transport Corporation Ltd. (KTCL) has introduced a new electric bus service connecting two major hubs of North Goa—Mapusa and Panaji. The service was officially flagged off by Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, IT, E&C, and Printing & Stationery, and MLA of Porvorim, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, during a ceremony held at Art Park, Porvorim.

The inauguration event witnessed the presence of local leaders including ZP Smt. Kavita Gupesh Naik, Sarpanch Shri Swapnil Chodankar, Sarpanch Smt. Sonia Sanjay Pednekar, and members from the Socorro, Penha De Franca, and Salvador Do Mundo Panchayats. Their participation highlighted the collective community effort toward building sustainable infrastructure.

During the flag-off, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing public transport systems through innovative, sustainable solutions. “The Government of Goa is committed to improving public transport infrastructure with sustainable solutions. The introduction of electric buses on this crucial route not only reduces congestion and travel time but also aligns with our vision of creating a cleaner and greener Goa,” he stated. He further underlined how this initiative supports the Regenerative Tourism model by focusing on environmental sustainability and community welfare.

The two electric buses will operate daily on a fixed route with strategically planned stops, including Paliem, Vaddem, Kharrem, Socorro Church, Ambirna, Paithona, Torda (Ganesh Temple), Art Park, Ramvadeshwar Temple, Britania House, Kavlekar Super Market, Porvorim Old Market (GCA), Maharudra Hanuman Temple (Housing Board), Clock Tower (Gadge Maharaj Hall), and Sanjay School, before reaching the Panaji Bus Stand. The return journey follows the same route in reverse.

Morning services begin at 7:30 AM, with one bus leaving from Mapusa and another from Panaji. Return services operate at 10:00 AM. The afternoon schedule begins at 4:30 PM and concludes with a return trip at 6:30 PM.

This reliable and environment-friendly transportation alternative is expected to be a boon for daily commuters, students, and professionals who travel between the two towns. More importantly, it sets a new benchmark for clean, community-focused public transport systems in the state, contributing significantly to Goa’s broader climate and mobility goals.