Tag: #beach

Travel

Goa Crowned ‘Best Romantic Destination’ at Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Goa has been conferred with the Winner – Best Romantic Destination at the prestigious Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards 2025, further reaffirming its position as one of India’s most admired and loved travel destinations. The award was presented at a distinguished ceremony held at Nandiya Gardens, ITC Maurya, New Delhi, on December 16, 2025. The honour on behalf of the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, was received by Ms. Swati Prabhu Shastri, currently serving at Goa Sadan on deputation from the Education Department.

This recognition highlights Goa’s timeless appeal, from its scenic coastline and intimate hospitality experiences to its vibrant cultural fabric and seamless balance of luxury with laid-back charm. Over the years, Goa has evolved beyond its beach identity, offering meaningful experiences rooted in heritage, wellness, hinterland exploration, and responsible tourism, making it a preferred destination for couples and travellers alike.

Reacting to the recognition, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte described the award as a proud moment for the state, noting that Goa offers far more than picturesque landscapes. He emphasised that the essence of romance in Goa lies in its culture, warmth, authenticity, and strong sense of place, while reiterating the government’s commitment to regenerative tourism that benefits both visitors and local communities.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik also welcomed the honour, stating that the recognition reflects the consistent efforts of the Department of Tourism, industry stakeholders, and local communities. He highlighted how curated experiences such as heritage stays, wellness retreats, immersive cultural encounters, and responsible tourism initiatives continue to strengthen Goa’s identity while keeping pace with evolving traveller expectations.

Now in its 14th year, the Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards is a marquee celebration recognising excellence across the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. This accolade reinforces Goa’s positioning as a destination that effortlessly blends celebration with serenity, luxury with simplicity, and romance with sustainability. The Department of Tourism expressed its gratitude to Travel + Leisure India, industry partners, and travellers for their continued trust and support, viewing the award as a strong endorsement of Goa’s vision for experience-led, responsible, and regenerative tourism.

Special Occasion

National Merri Music Day 2025: Celebrating 75 Years of Merritone’s Legacy and Global Sound-System Culture

Tanisha Cardozo

National Merri Music Day is observed annually on October 25 to honour the pioneering legacy of Merritone Music, one of Jamaica’s most influential sound systems. Officially designated in 2022, the observance stems from the monumental impact Merritone has had on the development of Jamaican and global music culture. The date corresponds with the birthday of Valentine “Val” Blake, the founder of Merritone, providing a symbolic connection between the day and the man whose vision helped transform post-war Jamaican music.

Merritone Music was established in Morant Bay, St. Thomas, following World War II. Under Val Blake’s guidance, it became a cornerstone of Jamaican entertainment, championing grassroots creativity and introducing new approaches to live performance, talent exposure, and recording innovation. From the earliest gatherings to its later international acclaim, Merritone bridged communities through rhythm, sound, and storytelling.

National Merri Music Day not only celebrates a sound system but a movement that shaped reggae, dub, and dancehall traditions while influencing global sound-system culture. It highlights Jamaica’s heritage as a musical powerhouse and acknowledges the creative spirit that thrives in local communities. The day encourages education, reflection, and unity—inviting fans, musicians, DJs, and sound-system crews around the world to participate through events, playlists, exhibitions, and social media engagement.

In Jamaica, the observance is marked through festivals, live DJ sessions, heritage projects, and community gatherings. Diaspora communities in the UK, US, Canada, and beyond also take part, connecting through livestreams, curated sets, and storytelling about sound-system culture.

In 2025, National Merri Music Day carries special significance as it coincides with Merritone’s 75th anniversary. The theme, “75 Years of Sound – Honouring the Past, Amplifying the Future,” reflects a dual commitment: celebrating the deep roots of Merritone’s legacy while inspiring new generations to continue the journey of sound-system creativity. It serves as a reminder that the pulse of Jamaican music—born from community, innovation, and resilience—continues to resonate worldwide.

Through collective participation, National Merri Music Day bridges eras, amplifies voices, and celebrates a living legacy that began in Morant Bay and now echoes across the globe.

Travel

First International Charter Flight Lands at Mopa Airport, Marking Start of Goa’s Peak Tourist Season

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa officially welcomed the 2025–26 year-end travel season with the arrival of its first international charter flight from Novosibirsk, Russia, at Manohar International Airport (Mopa) on October 2. The occasion marks a significant milestone for the state’s tourism industry, reinforcing Goa’s status as a preferred international travel destination.

The arrival was celebrated with a traditional Goan welcome that included folk performances such as the Samayi Dance, Ghodemodni, and Dhangar Dance. A brass band and floral greetings completed the warm reception, showcasing Goa’s hospitality and rich cultural heritage. The dignitaries present included Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik, Deputy Director of Tourism Shri Jayesh Kankonkar, Assistant Tourist Officer Smt Chitra Vengurlekar, Senior Vice-President of Concord Exotic Voyages Shri Sheik Ismail, and Vice-President of Minar Group Shri Shubert Reinald Colaco.

This season, Goa will see a significant increase in connectivity from Russia with three new weekly flights from Novosibirsk joining existing routes from Yekaterinburg and Moscow. Aeroflot’s operations have now grown to nine flights a week, reflecting the rising demand for Goa among Russian travellers.

The momentum continues with a second charter flight from Novosibirsk scheduled to arrive on October 3 at 06:00 AM, followed by flights from Yekaterinburg on October 4 and 5, and a large-capacity A330-300 flight from Moscow arriving on October 5. Further enhancing Goa’s global connectivity, direct charter flights from Kazakhstan are set to commence on October 25, 2025.

The influx of international tourists is expected to boost Goa’s hospitality sector and open new avenues for economic growth. It also signifies a shift toward a more diverse and resilient tourism landscape with expanded source markets.

Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte expressed pride in Goa’s preparedness, stating that the state is ready to welcome the world with enhanced infrastructure, immersive experiences, and the warmth of Goan hospitality. Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik echoed the sentiment, highlighting how increased air connectivity is creating opportunities for stakeholders across the tourism value chain.

With coordinated efforts from the Department of Tourism and industry players, Goa is all set for a vibrant and impactful tourist season. The arrival of charter flights not only strengthens international ties but also ensures that tourism continues to serve as a vital contributor to the state’s inclusive economic growth.

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Goan Festivals

The Three Kings Feast shines as a celebration of Goa’s cultural heritage

allycaralgoa

Panaji, January 8, 2025 – The Three Kings Feast captivated both locals and visitors, showcasing vibrant cultural traditions and profound spiritual significance. The festival provided a unique opportunity for pilgrims and travellers to immerse themselves in the essence of Goa’s rich heritage, celebrating the deep-rooted connection between faith, culture, and tradition.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Chairman, GTDC, Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Director of Tourism, Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, and Managing Director, GTDC, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar extended their wholehearted support to this unique festival. The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) team, led by General Manager Shri Gavin Dias and Deputy General Manager Shri Deepak Narvekar, along with other team members actively participated in the celebrations.

Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Chairman of GTDC, reflected on the festival, stating, “The Three Kings Feast is more than just a celebration of faith; it is a vibrant expression of Goa’s cultural identity. This year’s event has highlighted the unifying power of heritage and tradition, drawing visitors from all corners of the world. We remain committed to promoting such events that showcase Goa’s unparalleled charm.”

The festivities took place across the scenic villages of Cansaulim, Chandor, and Reis Magos, offering a rich array of cultural experiences. Visitors were treated to solemn processions and masses in local churches, fostering devotion and communal unity. A captivating reenactment of the Magi’s journey further brought the historical and cultural essence of the festival to life. Three young boys, representing the Wise Men, carried symbolic offerings through the streets, contributing to a vivid portrayal of this timeless tradition. Traditional music, dance performances, and community events added to the vibrancy of the celebrations.

The global appeal of the festival was magnified through an innovative promotional campaign, utilizing digital platforms, influencer partnerships, and media outreach to share the festival’s story with audiences worldwide. In addition, the Goa Tourism set up a stall at the church premises, offering valuable information on services available to visitors and gave them gifts and snacks.

The Three Kings Feast transcended its religious origins, symbolizing Goa’s inclusive spirit and its seamless integration of faith, culture, and heritage. With a blend of age-old traditions and forward-thinking promotional efforts, this year’s celebration has brought together locals as well as visitors on Goa’s cultural landscape.

Goan Personalities

Experience the Beauty of Goa with Allycaral Desk Calendars 2025

allycaralgoa

Bring a piece of Goa’s magic to your workspace with our stunning Allycaral Desk Calendars 2025!

A Journey Through Goa’s Hidden Gems

Our calendar takes you on a visual journey through Goa’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich heritage. From the sun-kissed beaches to the historic forts and temples, every page is a testament to Goa’s unique charm.

Stay Inspired and Organized

With our Allycaral Desk Calendars 2025, you’ll stay inspired and organized throughout the year. Perfect for:

  • Travel enthusiasts
  • Goa lovers
  • Office decor
  • Personalized gifts

Calendar Highlights

  • 12 stunning images showcasing Goa’s beauty
  • Essential holiday calendar to keep you organized
  • Monthly inspiration with uplifting quotes
  • A5 size (14.8 x 21 cm / 5.8 x 8.3 in) for easy desk display

Product Details

  • Size: A5 (14.8 x 21 cm / 5.8 x 8.3 in)
  • Pages: 12
  • Material: High-quality paper
  • Binding: Stapled or perfect bound

Purchase Now and Experience Goa’s Magic!

Purchase Now : https://allycaralproducts.myinstamojo.com/product/allycaral-desk-calendars-2025-experience-the/

Price: ₹ 300

Bring a piece of Goa’s magic to your workspace with our stunning Allycaral Desk Calendars 2025!

Purchase Now : https://allycaralproducts.myinstamojo.com/product/allycaral-desk-calendars-2025-experience-the/

Order Now and Get Ready to Experience Goa’s Beauty!