Tag: community tourism

Events in Goa

Raponkarancho Sea Food Festival 2025 Opens at Arambol, Celebrating Goa’s Coastal Heritage

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Arambol came alive with aromas of fresh seafood, lively music, and vibrant coastal traditions as Day 1 of the Raponkarancho Sea Food Festival 2025 unfolded, setting a festive tone for the days ahead. The festival offered a heartfelt tribute to Goa’s maritime heritage, blending culinary excellence with cultural expression and community participation.

The festival was formally inaugurated in the presence of Hon’ble MLA Shri Jit Arolkar and Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik, along with Shri Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager (Marketing), GTDC, and other dignitaries and community representatives. Their presence marked the beginning of a celebration deeply rooted in Goa’s coastal identity and fishing traditions.

Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte emphasised the importance of such festivals in preserving traditional livelihoods and cultural practices. He noted that the Raponkarancho Sea Food Festival plays a crucial role in safeguarding Goa’s fishing heritage and culinary legacy, while also strengthening community-led tourism that reflects the state’s authentic character.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the festival serves as a platform to bring fishing communities, local cuisine, and cultural traditions together. He underlined that initiatives like these promote experiential tourism while ensuring that local communities remain central to tourism development in Goa.

Visitors were treated to a diverse spread of traditional seafood preparations, thoughtfully curated by local fishermen and culinary experts. Each dish reflected the flavours of coastal Goa, offering an authentic gastronomic experience rooted in age-old recipes and fresh local produce.

Adding to the festive ambience were live cultural performances that showcased Goa’s rich artistic traditions, creating an immersive experience for both locals and tourists. Music, dance, and community interaction transformed the venue into a lively celebration of coastal life.

The Raponkarancho Sea Food Festival 2025 stands as a vibrant celebration of Goa’s coastal traditions, community spirit, and culinary richness. As the festival continues over the coming days, it promises more flavours, performances, and experiences that reinforce Goa’s vision of sustainable and community-driven tourism.

Travel

Goa Deepotsav 2025 to Illuminate the State with Festive Splendour and Cultural Spirit

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, is set to usher in the festive season with Goa Deepotsav 2025, a spectacular celebration of Diwali that will illuminate the state with colour, music, and cultural vibrance. The festival will span two days across three lively venues — Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal Hall, Porvorim on October 25, followed by Saligao Panchayat Area, Saligao, and Mapusa Taxi Stand Ground, Mapusa on October 26.

The celebrations will commence on October 25 at Porvorim with an exciting line-up of family-friendly competitions and workshops including cooking contests, fugdi competitions, clay modelling, drawing activities for kids, and the much-loved Veshbhusha Spardha (Traditional Costume Contest). The evening will feature a formal function and a soulful musical performance, Sur Taal, graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant, and other dignitaries including Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, ZP Smt. Kavita Naik, MLA Shri Kedar Naik, and senior officials from the Department of Tourism and GTDC.

On October 26, the festivities will continue at the Saligao Panchayat Area with competitions such as Veshbhusha Spardha, Rangoli Making, and Cooking Contests, followed by a mesmerizing musical concert, Suron Kee Deepawali. The evening will also see the presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, and other distinguished guests.

Later that evening, the celebrations will move to Mapusa Taxi Stand Ground for the grand finale featuring creative contests like the All Goa Akash Kandil Competition, alongside cultural showcases and a musical extravaganza, Rhythm of Lights. The event will host prominent leaders including the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Hon’ble Minister for Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Shri Nilkanth Halarnkar, and several MLAs from surrounding constituencies.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted that Deepotsav reflects the essence of Goa — a land where culture, creativity, and community come together in celebration. He emphasized the role of such festivals in strengthening Goa’s cultural fabric while promoting community-led tourism that preserves Goa’s living traditions.

Echoing his sentiments, Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, stated that this year’s Deepotsav is designed to engage every generation through workshops, performances, and culinary experiences that capture Goa’s inclusive and participative spirit. He added that events like Deepotsav embody the vision of Goa Beyond Beaches, showcasing the state as a destination where culture and creativity shine brightly.

Through Goa Deepotsav 2025, the Department of Tourism continues to advance its vision of connecting people through shared experiences and cultural pride. The festival stands as a symbol of Goa’s commitment to preserving its traditions while embracing innovation and inclusivity. As the state glows under the light of countless diyas and echoes with music and joy, Goa invites residents and visitors alike to join this radiant celebration of togetherness and tradition.

Travel

Goa’s Homestay and B&B Scheme Sets a National Benchmark, Inspires Delhi’s Revival of B&B Model

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa’s Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme, implemented by the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, has become a national benchmark in community-based tourism — inspiring states like Delhi to adopt similar frameworks. The scheme’s success lies in its holistic approach that blends financial incentives, simplified registration, and quality standards to strengthen local entrepreneurship and promote authentic travel experiences.

Designed to create meaningful engagement between visitors and local communities, the initiative encourages travellers to explore Goa’s hinterlands while generating sustainable livelihoods for residents. Eligible homestays and B&B operators receive a one-time grant of ₹2 lakh, along with marketing support through official Goa Tourism channels, and access to training programmes aimed at improving service quality and sustainability practices.

The scheme classifies participating establishments under Gold and Silver categories, offering benefits such as residential tariff rates for utilities, ease of licensing, and inclusion in state tourism promotions. It also emphasises empowering women and youth entrepreneurs, ensuring that the growth of tourism extends beyond the coastal belt into rural areas rich with culture and tradition.

Recognising the impact of Goa’s approach, the Delhi government has recently announced plans to revive its long-dormant Bed & Breakfast Scheme using Goa’s model as a reference. This move highlights Goa’s growing leadership in shaping sustainable and inclusive tourism policies at the national level.

Speaking on the development, Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte remarked, “Goa’s Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme has been designed to empower Goans while creating meaningful experiences for travellers. The fact that other states are now adopting our model reaffirms our commitment to building a regenerative and community-led tourism framework.”

Echoing this sentiment, Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, stated, “This initiative makes it easier for Goans to host visitors, earn additional income, and share our culture. By offering financial support, training, and simplified registration, the policy ensures that tourism growth benefits every section of society.”

With its emphasis on authentic stays, local engagement, and responsible development, Goa continues to lead India’s tourism transformation — setting a standard that other states are eager to emulate.

Travel

Goa to Spotlight Culture, Wellness & Sustainability at ITB Asia 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa, October 2025 – The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, will participate in ITB Asia 2025, Asia’s leading B2B travel trade show, taking place from 15–17 October 2025 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. This strategic participation underlines Goa’s commitment to promoting itself as a destination that offers more than leisure — focusing on authentic, meaningful, and sustainable travel experiences.

At the global event, Goa Tourism will unveil its evolving tourism model that prioritizes cultural richness, spiritual depth, ecological responsibility, and community empowerment. Key offerings at the Goa Pavilion will include immersive experiences in spiritual tourism circuits, heritage trails showcasing Indo-Portuguese architecture and living traditions, and wellness tourism rooted in yoga and holistic healing.

Joining the tourism delegation, the Goa Forest Department will present Goa’s exceptional natural wealth — including wildlife sanctuaries, biodiversity hotspots, and nature-based experiences like immersive zoos and conservation-led ecotourism. The aim is to position Goa not just as a destination, but as an ecosystem where nature, culture, and community harmoniously coexist.

The pavilion will also spotlight festivals, rural tourism initiatives, and projects that directly engage local communities and support environmental preservation. These are designed to align with Goa’s broader vision of regenerative tourism — where tourism contributes positively to the places and people it touches.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, noted that Goa is entering a new chapter in its tourism story. “At ITB Asia 2025, we aim to build meaningful global partnerships and showcase Goa as a forward-thinking destination with upgraded infrastructure, safer travel environments, and diverse experiences rooted in our identity,” he said.

Echoing the sentiment, Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, emphasized the value of connecting with a global audience: “Our presence at ITB Asia is about presenting Goa as a place where heritage, nature, and community come together to create enriching journeys.”

Goa’s participation at ITB Asia 2025 is not just promotional — it’s transformational. It marks the state’s efforts to strengthen international partnerships, access new markets, and showcase a tourism model that is future-ready, inclusive, and globally relevant. From local culture to conservation, the Goa Pavilion will offer a complete picture of what responsible and regenerative travel can look like in one of India’s most beloved destinations.

Travel

Stakeholders Unite, Stories Shine: Goa Tourism Wraps Up Month-Long World Tourism Day Celebrations

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, 29th September 2025 – The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) and SKAL International Goa, successfully concluded a month-long celebration of World Tourism Day 2025, culminating in the World Tourism Day Heritage for Sustainability Film Festival at ESG, Panaji. This curated film showcase brought together diverse voices and visual stories reflecting Goa’s cultural depth, coastal and hinterland experiences, and the state’s shift towards responsible and inclusive tourism.

The grand finale at ESG featured a line-up of compelling short films including Postcards from Goa, Islands on Island, Sashticho Koddo, Bread and Belonging, Kharvan, The Birdman of Chorao, Caazu, I Am Nothing, Sadabahar, Conversations on Oviyos, Written in Corners, Petroglyphs and Manohar Rai Sardesai. Thoughtful interactions with filmmakers such as Vince Costa, Sonia Filinto, Nalini Elvino de Sousa, Elsa de Souza, Ronak Kamat and Shaistah Thapar added depth to the festival, which resonated with students, influencers, and tourism professionals alike.

The month-long festivities reflected a dynamic model of tourism that reaches beyond traditional beach destinations. The Department of Tourism organised over a dozen experiential activities that highlighted Goa’s regenerative and community-centric tourism model. These included forest walks in bioluminescent zones, kayaking expeditions, river cruises, coconut farming, bread-making experiences in rural villages, cycling tours through Chorao Island, and heritage walks at Aguad and Monte Santo. These experiences offered visitors a unique look into Goa’s natural assets and living traditions while creating economic opportunities for local communities.

The celebrations also served as a platform for learning and collaboration. On 27th September, Goa hosted its largest ever Tourism Stakeholders’ Meet at the Grand Hyatt, bringing together hoteliers, tour operators, travel agents, government bodies, industry experts, and aspiring tourism entrepreneurs to discuss the future of Goa’s tourism sector. Topics included sustainable growth strategies, youth engagement, and tapping into emerging global markets.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasised that Goa’s tourism story is no longer just about leisure—it is now about learning, responsibility, and contributing to places and communities. He praised the active involvement of students, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and entrepreneurs, noting that Goa’s inclusive tourism model sets a benchmark for the rest of the country. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to building a regenerative tourism economy that preserves culture, nurtures nature, and benefits all stakeholders.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik reiterated the campaign’s core message of “Goa Beyond Beaches,” stressing the need to involve and uplift local communities, especially women and youth. The department’s vision for tourism in Goa is to combine innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability—empowering those who form the backbone of the tourism industry while curating authentic visitor experiences.

With enthusiastic support from students, filmmakers, homestay owners, content creators, NGOs, and industry professionals, the World Tourism Day 2025 celebrations served as a vibrant reminder of Goa’s evolving identity as a hub of responsible, community-based tourism. As Goa sets its sights on becoming a year-round tourism destination rooted in regenerative values, the success of this initiative reflects a collective commitment to telling better stories, building better systems, and welcoming the world with purpose.