Tag: community tourism

Travel

Minister for Tourism, Rohan Khaunte Leads Goa’s Month-Long World Tourism Day 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa, India’s most iconic travel destination, reaffirmed its leadership in sustainable and people-first tourism by hosting a month-long celebration to mark World Tourism Day 2025. Spearheaded by the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Dr. Rohan A. Khaunte, the campaign featured over 30 events that placed communities, culture, and sustainability at the center of travel.

The month-long initiative, delivered in collaboration with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), SKAL International Goa, and the Yuva Tourism Clubs, brought together over 200 locals, students, and visitors in a dynamic showcase of Goa’s evolving tourism landscape.

From kayaking, cycling, heritage walks, and bioluminescent forest experiences to traditional bread-making and coconut farming in villages, every activity aimed to showcase a regenerative tourism model that protects natural assets, uplifts local communities, and enriches visitor experiences.

Inclusive tourism took center stage with special boat cruises for persons with disabilities, senior citizens from old-age homes, and children from orphanages — a powerful affirmation of Goa’s commitment to accessibility and dignity in tourism.

A key highlight was the participation of youth through the Yuva Tourism Clubs, with over 100 students from more than 30 colleges engaging in eco-walks, village picnics, cycling, and cooking experiences. These initiatives are shaping a new generation of Tourism Ambassadors deeply connected with their heritage, environment, and communities.

Celebrating Goa’s rich culinary tradition, two high-profile cooking competitions were hosted at IIHM Goa (17–18 September) and IHM Goa (22–23 September), giving young hospitality students a platform to showcase their creativity and knowledge of Goan cuisine.

The month also marked a significant step in Goa’s business tourism strategy with the upcoming launch of the MICE Promotion Bureau at the largest ever Tourism Stakeholders’ Meet at Grand Hyatt Goa. This initiative is set to place Goa on the global map for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).

The celebrations will conclude with a Film Festival at ESG on 28 September, spotlighting Goa’s heritage, biodiversity, and conservation efforts — a fitting finale to a campaign that united industry, government, students, and communities under a shared vision.

Reflecting on the success of the campaign, Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik noted: “These activities represent a holistic approach to tourism development. We’re building a future-ready ecosystem that benefits not just visitors, but also our people and environment.”

Goa’s commitment to a better tourism model is backed by real numbers: from January to June 2025, the state welcomed 5.45 million visitors, including 5.18 million domestic and 0.27 million international tourists — an 8.4% YoY increase. Cruise tourism also saw a rise, with over 34,121 passengers docking at Goan ports, thanks to improved air, sea, and charter connectivity.

As Goa heads into the Golden Season 2025–26, the Department of Tourism invites all — travellers, youth, stakeholders, and residents — to experience the state not just as a destination, but as a living, thriving story of people, nature, culture, and connection.

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.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Goa Tourism Showcases Regenerative Travel at TTF Mumbai 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, August 11, 2025 – The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, made an impactful appearance at the Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) Mumbai 2025, held from 11th to 13th August at the Jio World Convention Centre. Goa’s presence focused on the state’s growing commitment to Regenerative Tourism, drawing attention from dignitaries, industry leaders, and visitors alike.

🌿 A Shift Towards Regenerative Travel

At its dedicated pavilion, Goa Tourism showcased a series of community-driven tourism models that go beyond traditional sightseeing to actively benefit local communities and ecosystems.

Highlights included:

  • Heritage village trails celebrating Goa’s rich history
  • Hinterland tourism that supports rural communities
  • Local artisan displays and cultural performances
  • Culinary showcases featuring traditional Goan fare

Visitors experienced immersive displays, learned about responsible travel options, and explored new year-round tourism possibilities that combine discovery with sustainability.

🗣️ Leadership Speaks

Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, noted:

“TTF Mumbai is a valuable platform for Goa to present itself as a year-round destination rooted in regenerative and inclusive tourism. We are shifting from mass tourism to meaningful travel that supports nature and people.”

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, added:

“Goa’s tourism narrative now includes offbeat trails and heritage-rich experiences that invite travellers to go beyond the beaches and contribute positively to local economies.”

🤝 Dignitary Interactions & Industry Engagement

Smt. Diya Kumari, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, visited the Goa Tourism pavilion and interacted with officials including:

  • Shri Rajesh Kale, Deputy Director, Department of Tourism
  • Smt. Chitra Vengurlekar, Assistant Tourist Officer
  • Shri Chandrashekhar Kopardekar, GTDC
  • Smt. Janvi Kharat, Department of Tourism

The delegation also engaged with leading travel operators, tourism boards, and media representatives to explore partnerships that amplify Goa’s responsible travel message across the domestic market.

🌍 A New Chapter for Goa Tourism

By highlighting regenerative, cultural, and inclusive travel experiences, Goa Tourism is opening a new chapter that appeals to modern, conscious travellers. The state is reaffirming its status as not just a destination of beauty, but of depth, diversity, and enduring value.

🗓️ Event: TTF Mumbai 2025
 📍 Location: Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai
 🗓️ Dates: 11th – 13th August 2025

Human Interest

Goa Sees Surge in June 2025 Tourist Arrivals, Boosted by Monsoon Festival Campaigns

allycaralgoa

Panaji, July 3, 2025 – Defying traditional patterns, Goa has witnessed a significant rise in tourist arrivals in June 2025, a month long considered off-season for the state’s hospitality sector. The surge is credited to the Goa Tourism Department’s bold monsoon-focused campaign, championing regenerative tourism through community-centric festivals and authentic local experiences.

Festivals Take the Lead: São João and Chikal Kalo

Leading this cultural revival were two of Goa’s most iconic monsoon festivals — São João, celebrated with joy and jumps into water bodies, and Chikal Kalo, a vibrant mud-filled celebration of unity and tradition. These events, held in villages and towns across North and South Goa, became centrepieces of digital storytelling and grassroots engagement.

Instead of just showcasing beaches, the Tourism Department collaborated with local influencers, artists, and cultural custodians to share Goa’s heritage through reels, blog stories, and immersive experiences.

“This June has been unlike any other,” said Jack Sukhija, President of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG). “We’ve seen guests take genuine interest in our traditions—participating in events, understanding their history, and truly immersing themselves in Goan culture.”

Authentic Travel Meets New-Age Promotion

Hospitality players across the board — from hotels and homestays to cruise operators, artisans, and heritage guides — reported a visible uptick in bookings and cultural interactions. The trend wasn’t just about quantity but quality tourism, with visitors actively engaging in heritage walks, culinary workshops, and local celebrations.

Ranjit Phillipose, Senior Vice President – Operations, IHCL Goa, praised the campaign’s outcome:

“The storytelling around Goa’s culture has resonated well with visitors. The focused promotion of São João and other experiences translated into strong occupancy and deeper engagement across regions.”

Wellness and Culture Combine: ‘Glow on Arrival’

Adding to the campaign’s richness was the ‘Glow on Arrival’ initiative, a wellness-centric push that marketed Goa’s misty monsoon landscapes, serene villages, and relaxing rhythms as a haven for rejuvenation. Retreats, spa getaways, and digital detox experiences aligned perfectly with the state’s emerging identity as a year-round destination.

Sustainable Shift: From Parties to Purpose

Goa’s evolving tourism model, rooted in regenerative travel, now aims to benefit local communities, preserve traditions, and promote off-season tourism in a meaningful way. Officials confirmed that the strategy moving forward will emphasize:

  • Community partnerships
  • Support for cultural events
  • Eco-tourism and spiritual circuits
  • Grassroots entrepreneurship

With July’s Chikal Kalo festival (July 5–7) and heritage circuits already generating buzz, Goa’s off-season is being rewritten as a time for cultural celebration and immersive travel.

The Road Ahead

As Goa steers away from a purely beach-and-party image, it is finding global appeal in its rich cultural identity and inclusive tourism experiences. With the monsoon season emerging as a platform for deeper connections and local pride, Goa is poised to become a case study in sustainable tourism success — one festival at a time.

Events in Goa

Goa Tourism to Celebrate São João with the Grand Siolim Boat Festival on 24th June 2025

allycaralgoa

Siolim, 18th June, 2025- The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Siolim São João Traditional Boat Festival & Cultural Organisation, is pleased to announce the celebration of Siolim São João 2025 on 24th June 2025. This much-awaited cultural extravaganza will take place in the vibrant riverside village of Siolim, opposite St. Anthony’s Church, and promises an afternoon filled with tradition, colour, and community spirit.

This year’s edition will witness the distinguished presence of Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism; Shri Nilkant Halarnkar, Hon’ble Minister for Fisheries; Dr. Ganesh C. Gaonkar, Chairman GTDC; Smt. Delilah Lobo, MLA, Siolim Constituency; Shri Michael Lobo, MLA, Calangute Constituency; Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Secretary Tourism; Shri Kedar A. Naik, Director of Tourism; and Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director, GTDC.

Speaking about the event, Director Tourism, Shri Kedar A. Naik, stated, “Siolim São João is not only a celebration of Goa’s vibrant monsoon culture but also a reminder of our deep-rooted traditions that bind communities together. Through such festivals, we aim to encourage community-driven tourism experiences that honour local identity while offering engaging experiences for visitors.”

Rooted in Goan heritage and celebrated with unmatched zeal, the Siolim São João Festival is one of the most distinctive monsoon festivals in the state. This year’s celebration will commence with the grand traditional boat parade, where beautifully decorated floats and participants in festive attire will glide along the waters in a captivating procession that draws thousands of onlookers every year. Goa Tourism will also feature in the Boat parade with a specially designed boat & a monsoon mascot which will be followed by a themed dance performance that has been specially composed for this occasion.

The festivities will also showcase traditional Goan folk dances and live music, bringing together artists and performers from across the state. As part of the cultural traditions, the symbolic leap into wells and streams will be observed with joy, continuing the legacy of São João celebrations in Goa.

Other highlights include the age-old Oze and Dhali traditions, the Kopel competition, and engaging performances that blend the festive spirit with modern vibrancy. This year’s line-up features an energetic performance by the youth band Clay Jars, along with a special musical act by Johnny B Gud with Reza.

The event reaffirms Goa Tourism’s commitment to preserving and promoting its rich intangible cultural heritage while offering immersive experiences for both residents and visitors. By spotlighting traditional customs in a festive environment, the celebration aims to bring together communities, create lasting memories, and further reinforce Goa’s position as a cultural tourism destination.

Members of the public, tourists, and culture enthusiasts are warmly invited to be part of this dynamic celebration of tradition and togetherness, set against the scenic backdrop of Siolim’s riverside charm.