Tag: Adventure Tourism

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.

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Goa Tourism to Strengthen Domestic Outreach with Showcase at TTF Hyderabad 2025

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H. Team Allycaral

Goa Tourism is gearing up to showcase a refreshed and redefined identity at the Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) Hyderabad 2025, scheduled to be held on 19th and 20th September at the Hyderabad International Convention Center. Moving beyond the well-known image of sun, sand, and sea, the state is presenting a deeper, richer travel narrative under the theme “Goa Beyond Beaches”.

At this year’s TTF, the Goa Tourism pavilion will highlight immersive, regenerative tourism experiences. Visitors can explore a variety of offerings that range from hinterland trails, monsoon tourism, spiritual circuits, and wellness retreats to village life, cultural festivals, and adventure tourism. These elements reflect the government’s commitment to sustainable and community-focused tourism.

Honourable Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized the state’s evolving identity. “Goa is evolving beyond its iconic beaches to emerge as a destination that is vibrant, diverse, and sustainable. Our focus is on tourism that creates authentic and memorable experiences for visitors while supporting local communities and preserving our environment. Our aim at TTF Hyderabad is to connect with a wide network of travel agents, operators, and corporates who play a crucial role in shaping travel choices,” he said. He invited Goa’s travel trade partners to join in promoting a forward-looking, inclusive, and sustainable tourism vision.

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, echoed these sentiments, stating, “We are showcasing Goa at TTF Hyderabad as a destination for every traveller — whether it’s culture, heritage, wellness, adventure, or eco-tourism. Goa offers authentic and memorable experiences throughout the year.”

The Goa Tourism showcase at TTF Hyderabad 2025 reflects a strong focus on partnerships, storytelling, and innovation. The goal is to deepen engagement with the domestic market and promote experiences that are memorable, meaningful, and mindful — aligning with the broader global movement toward responsible and regenerative travel.

This participation is part of a broader domestic outreach strategy that aims to position Goa as a year-round destination rooted in tradition, sustainability, and innovation.

Events in Goa

Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte Drove Goa ‘Beyond Beaches’ with RFC India 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa, August 2025
 For decades, Goa was synonymous with sun-kissed beaches and relaxed holidays. But under the visionary leadership of Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, the state ventured deep into uncharted terrain—both literally and figuratively.

The 11th edition of RFC India 2025 officially kicked off in the hinterlands of Goa, putting the spotlight on the state’s rugged natural terrain and potential as a top-tier destination for adventure and sports tourism.

A Bold Vision: Goa Beyond Beaches

“Known over the World as a Sun, Sand & Sea Destination, Our Goa is going Beyond Beaches with alternative options of Adventure & Sports Tourism,”
— Rohan Khaunte, Tourism Minister of Goa

With that statement, Minister Khaunte signaled a clear intent: Goa’s future lay not just on its shores, but also in its forests, hills, and challenging off-road tracks. Hosting RFC India was not just about motorsports—it was about tourism reinvention.

RFC India 2025: Bigger, Bolder, Better

Organized by Cougar Motorsport, RFC India was the official Indian chapter of the iconic Rainforest Challenge of Malaysia—rated among the world’s top five toughest off-road events. Since its debut in 2014, it had grown into India’s most prestigious motorsport event.

🚜 Key Stats:

  • 77 teams from 11 Indian states
  • First-time participation from Meghalaya
  • Women participants across all 3 categories
  • Host state Goa represented by 9 teams

The competition was expanded with the addition of:

  • 4X4 Extreme (25 teams, 26 stages)
  • 4X4 Modified (22 teams, 20 stages)
  • 4X4 Stock (30 teams, 14 stages)

Why This Mattered for Goa Tourism

Goa’s participation as both host and competitor reinforced Minister Khaunte’s broader tourism strategy—diversification, sustainability, and year-round attraction.

From promoting hinterland trails and treks to welcoming national and international adventure events, Goa crafted a new tourism identity that was:

  • Less seasonal
  • More inclusive
  • Environmentally conscious

Economically decentralized

Inclusivity and Growth

RFC India 2025 was also a model of inclusive sports tourism:

  • Women competed in all categories
  • New regions like Meghalaya entered the circuit
  • First-time 4X4 owners participated thanks to the Stock & Modified formats

The Minister’s Mission

By bringing events like RFC to Goa, Rohan Khaunte tapped into a growing segment of global travelers seeking active, immersive, and experiential journeys. Goa’s unique terrain, combined with its hospitality infrastructure, made it an ideal hub for sports-based tourism.

“You will be tested in mind, body and machine — a true initiation into the global RFC community.”
— Luis J.A. Wee, Founder, Rainforest Challenge

A New Goa Emerged

RFC India 2025 was more than a motorsport event. It was a statement—that Goa was evolving.

From the beach to the backwoods, from cocktails to camo, from leisure to challenge—this was the Goa of tomorrow.

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Collaborative Push for Sustainable Tourism: Goa to Spotlight Forests, Waterfalls, and Hinterland

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Panaji, 9th June 2025 – In a significant step towards expanding Goa’s tourism offerings beyond its iconic coastline, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, convened a meeting with the Goa Forest Development Corporation (GFDC), to explore collaborative avenues for promoting hinterland, eco, wellness, and adventure tourism under the state’s vision of Goa Beyond Beaches. The meeting was led by Hon’ble Minister Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte and in the presence of Director Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik; Managing Director, GTDC, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar; GFDC Chairperson, Dr. Divya Rane; GFDC Managing Director, Nandkumar Parab; GFDC General Manager, Shri Amar Heblekar and OSD to Tourism Minister, Shri Shawn Mendes

Recognising the need for a more integrated and sustainable approach to tourism development, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte expressed the importance of working in collaboration across departments to tap into Goa’s diverse natural and cultural assets. “If the Tourism Department and the Forest Department work in unison, a tremendous opportunity lies ahead for creating high-end, sustainable tourism experiences. This collaboration can serve as a blueprint for eco-tourism and nature-based experiences that benefit both locals and visitors,” the Minister stated.

The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to diversifying the tourism landscape by promoting nature, wellness, adventure, and cultural experiences nestled in Goa’s hinterland. “We must now turn our focus inward to our waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, forest heritage, and eco-trails. Together, we can craft an entirely new narrative for Goa that is inclusive, regenerative, and future-facing,” remarked GFDC Chairperson, Dr. Divya Rane.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to hold further deliberations in coordination with the Hon’ble Forest Minister and the Forest Department to translate this shared vision into actionable outcomes.

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Goa Tourism to Showcase Regenerative Tourism at ITB Berlin 2025

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Goa Tourism is set to make a remarkable presence at ITB Berlin 2025, the world’s leading travel trade show, taking place from March 4 to 6, 2025, at the Messe Berlin ExpoCenter City, Germany. With a focus on regenerative tourism, cultural heritage, adventure, and wellness tourism, Goa aims to highlight its diverse offerings beyond its famous beaches.

The Goa Tourism Pavilion at ITB Berlin 2025 will offer visitors an immersive experience inspired by Goan heritage and architecture. Designed to highlight sustainable and regenerative tourism, the pavilion will showcase Goa’s commitment to responsible travel experiences.

“As we showcase Goa at ITB Berlin 2025, our focus remains on regenerative tourism, sustainability, and preserving Goa’s cultural identity,” said Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa. “Goa is more than just a beach destination; it is a land of rich heritage, spiritual sanctuaries, and immersive experiences that offer a deeper connection with nature and local communities. Through our participation at ITB Berlin, we aim to forge meaningful partnerships and position Goa as a leading global tourism destination that prioritizes responsible and conscious travel.”

“Our participation at ITB Berlin aligns with Goa’s vision to promote a tourism that is sustainable, community-driven, and economically beneficial,” said Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa. “By engaging with global stakeholders, we seek to bring in innovative tourism solutions, enhance our visitor experience, and ensure that tourism growth contributes positively to the environment and the people of Goa. We are actively promoting Goa beyond beaches, hinterland tourism, yoga and wellness tourism and much more.”

Visitors to the stall can explore Goa’s vibrant cultural heritage, lush hinterlands, spiritual tourism, adventure activities, and eco-friendly tourism experiences. To bring the essence of Goa to life, the pavilion will feature live cultural performances by professional Goan artists, displaying traditional music and dance forms. Additionally, an interactive Virtual Reality (VR) zone will take attendees to Goa’s breathtaking landscapes, festivals, and serene retreats.

As one of the premier global tourism trade events, ITB Berlin provides a crucial platform for Goa Tourism to connect with international tour operators, travel agencies, industry professionals, and potential investors. Goa’s delegation will actively engage in B2B meetings, networking sessions, and discussions to explore strategic partnerships and strengthen Goa’s global tourism footprint.

Goa Tourism’s participation at ITB Berlin aims to invite tourists in and around Germany and other European countries to see the beauty of Goa, it will also provide valuable insights into emerging travel trends, consumer preferences, and new opportunities, helping Goa Tourism refine its future promotional strategies. Goa Tourism invites travel professionals, media representatives, and investors to visit its pavilion at Hall 5.2b, Stand 225, and discover the many facets of Goa’s tourism landscape. From its cultural richness and adventure experiences to wellness retreats, visitors will experience firsthand why Goa remains one of the most captivating travel destinations in the world.