Tag: Eco-Tourism

Events in Goa

Goa Forest Diversity Festival 2026 Inaugurated, Celebrating Nature, Culture and Conservation

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Panaji, January 17, 2026: The inaugural edition of the Goa Forest Diversity Festival 2026 was formally inaugurated today by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, in the presence of Union Minister Shripad Naik, Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane, Minister for Tourism Rohan Khaunte, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Kamal Datta.



Dedicated to the forests of Goa and the communities that have lived in harmony with them for generations, the festival brings together culture, tradition and conservation on a single platform. More than a celebration, the initiative seeks to create a dialogue and collective commitment towards understanding and safeguarding Goa’s rich forest biodiversity.

The festival aims to connect people with forests not through statistics alone, but through stories, food, art, performances and lived experiences. One of its most distinctive highlights is the Angon Experience—an immersive traditional space featuring live demonstrations by Chanekars, Khajekars, traditional coconut craftsmen, clay potters, gardening experts, Kokedama artists and other local artisans who reflect sustainable practices passed down through generations.

The Forest Kitchen, described as the soul of the festival, showcases tribal and traditional cuisine prepared by forest communities and Self-Help Groups. These recipes reflect seasonality, ecology and respect for nature, underscoring how sustainability has long been embedded in traditional ways of life.

Another major attraction is the Green Bazaar, curated with stalls offering eco-friendly products and forest-based goods that support local artisans and sustainable livelihoods. The initiative reinforces the message that conservation and economic opportunity can coexist.

Throughout the festival, visitors experience a seamless blend of culture and conservation, with strong green messaging such as Mhaka Naka Plastic. The opening ceremony featured performances by Sonia Shirsat and her orchestra, followed by Morulo Dance, Katti Fugdi, a Jagor Act and a forest-themed light show by Vajra Aigal.

Addressing the gathering, Chairperson Dr. Deviya Rane highlighted that the festival provides a unique platform for tribal communities and Self-Help Groups to showcase forest-inspired cuisine and culture. She emphasised the importance of sensitising youth and citizens to issues such as plastic pollution, wildlife protection and sustainable living, noting that conservation requires active community participation beyond legislation.

Dr. Rane also outlined plans to create a Mini Forest in the heart of the city, envisioned as a living public space where nature, livelihoods and community converge. As part of this initiative, 20 festival stalls will be converted into permanent structures to support Self-Help Groups, local artisans, forest-based producers and eco-entrepreneurs, creating a regular marketplace that promotes sustainable livelihoods and green entrepreneurship.

The festival also witnessed the launch of the coffee table book “Forest Recipes of Goa, Stories of Tribal Food”, a photo-essay by Ms. Assavri Kulkarni, published by the Goa Forest Development Corporation. Another highlight was the release of the wildlife documentary “Falling off the Radar, Waterfalls of Goa”, directed by wildlife photographer and filmmaker Mr. Giri Cavale and produced by the StoryLark team.

The Goa Forest Diversity Festival 2026 stands as a celebration of Goa’s natural heritage while reinforcing the shared responsibility of conserving forests for future generations.

Travel

Tourism Department and GTDC Launch Development & Beautification of Harvalem Waterfall at Rudreshwar Temple

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in partnership with the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), has initiated the development and beautification of Harvalem Waterfall at the Rudreshwar Temple surroundings in Harvalem, Bicholim. This initiative is part of Goa’s ongoing efforts to strengthen eco-tourism and promote Amrit Dharohar as Challenged Based Destinations Development, with a focus on improving facilities for visitors while preserving the state’s natural and cultural heritage.

The inauguration programme was attended by Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Power & New and Renewable Energy Shripad Naik, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, President BJP Goa State Damu Naik, Chairman Goa Tourism Development Corporation Kedar J. Naik, Director of Tourism Kedar Naik, Managing Director of GTDC Kuldeep Arolkar, Vice Chairperson Sankhali Municipal Council Dayanand Boryekar, and President of Rudreshwar Temple, Harvalem, Yashwant Madkar.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant highlighted the cultural and ecological significance of Harvalem, stating that strengthening such destinations benefits both tourism and the local communities dependent on them. Minister for Tourism Rohan A. Khaunte emphasized that the project reflects Goa’s broader vision of diversifying tourism offerings, focusing on nature-based experiences, improved accessibility, and responsible development that supports the local ecosystem and economy. Chairman of GTDC Kedar J. Naik added that the improvements will help position Harvalem more prominently within Goa’s eco-tourism circuits, while Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade stressed that sustainable planning, safety, and thoughtful design remain central to the project.

As part of the programme, the Chief Minister inaugurated an audiovisual film presenting the project’s plans and vision. The function included presentations by GTDC and Rudreshwar Temple Committee, with mementos presented to all dignitaries and a vote of thanks acknowledging collective efforts in shaping the project.

This development is part of Goa’s larger strategy to strengthen tourism infrastructure across natural, cultural, and heritage locations. By investing in projects like Harvalem, the state continues to create a more diverse, experience-driven tourism landscape while preserving the integrity of its natural environment.

EduConnect

St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa Hosts X’plorateur 2025: A Regenerative Vision for Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

In a celebration of innovation, sustainability, and student excellence, the Department of BBA (Travel & Tourism) at St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, hosted its national-level event X’plorateur 2025 on September 26th and 27th. Timed to align with World Tourism Day, the two-day program was guided by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” and inspired by the college’s own vision, “A Regenerative Vision for Goa.”

The event served as a platform for students to explore how tourism can not only be sustainable but regenerative — restoring and preserving Goa’s ecological and cultural wealth. The inaugural ceremony was attended by dignitaries from the college along with Chief Guest Mr. Pifran Fernandes, Owner of Tree House Goa. The program featured cultural performances, a magazine launch, and inspiring talks that highlighted the need for tourism models that go beyond conservation and actively improve the communities and environments they touch.

Over the course of two days, student teams from Goa and Karnataka participated in a wide array of activities designed to test creativity, knowledge, and teamwork — all centered around sustainable tourism. The competitions included quizzes, debates, business pitch contests, eco-painting, stress challenges, and a fashion show that celebrated eco-conscious design and storytelling.

The event concluded with a thrilling award ceremony where Team Desert Dynamos from KLE College of Business Administration, Hubli, Karnataka, were crowned Overall Champions. The Runners-up title went to Team Moonlight Mavericks from Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College of Commerce & Economics, Goa. The level of creativity, critical thinking, and passion displayed throughout the event underscored the deep commitment of young minds to shape a more responsible future for tourism in India.

X’plorateur 2025 not only brought academic communities together but also reaffirmed the role of educational institutions in leading the charge toward a tourism industry that regenerates — rather than depletes — the places we cherish most.

Travel

Goa Showcases Regenerative Tourism at ITB Asia 2025, Positions Itself as ‘Gateway to All Possibilities’

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa made a strong international impression at ITB Asia 2025, positioning itself as the “Gateway to All Possibilities” through an immersive presentation of its regenerative tourism model and a wide array of authentic, sustainable, and premium tourism experiences. The Goa pavilion was inaugurated by Dr. Shilpak Ambule, High Commissioner of India to Singapore, in the presence of senior officials from the Department of Tourism and Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC).

Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte emphasized Goa’s leadership in being the first Indian state to adopt Regenerative Tourism — a framework that ensures tourism development strengthens local communities, protects ecosystems, and preserves cultural identity. Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, reinforced Goa’s commitment to positioning itself as a year-round, globally preferred destination across leisure, wellness, adventure, and MICE tourism.

Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, MD of GTDC, delivered a compelling presentation highlighting Goa’s strategic strengths: 10.4 million tourist arrivals in 2024, including nearly half a million international visitors; a 16.4% contribution to the state’s GDP from tourism; and support to over 35% of the local workforce. Goa’s connectivity — including two international airports, robust rail and highway networks, and advanced cruise terminals — was showcased as a key enabler for inbound growth.

The Goa delegation interacted with stakeholders from key tourism markets including Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, the USA, Spain, Mauritius, Dubai, and Taiwan, initiating collaborations to drive inbound tourism and boost Goa’s global profile. Exhibiting partners like Concord Exotic Voyages and Minar Travels Goa also showcased curated premium travel experiences and itineraries.

Goa’s eco-tourism offerings took center stage, with focused promotions on nature-based experiences such as Bondla Zoo, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Dudhsagar Waterfall, and eco-stays like Silvan Cottages. These initiatives are part of a broader push to highlight Goa’s lesser-explored hinterlands, diversify tourist interest beyond beaches, and encourage responsible tourism.

Visitors at the pavilion explored Goa’s diverse tourism layers: regulated water sports, bungee jumping, kayaking, caravan tourism, homestays, agro-tourism, vibrant festivals like Carnival and Shigmo, Ayurveda retreats, yoga hubs, culinary richness, flea markets, and arts festivals like IFFI and Serendipity.

Goa’s regenerative tourism vision is about crafting experiences that are immersive and inclusive while ensuring that tourism becomes a force for good. By balancing economic growth with environmental protection and cultural preservation, Goa is shaping a future-forward, resilient tourism model.

Its participation at ITB Asia 2025 reaffirms its commitment to global engagement, destination transformation, and creating a tourism ecosystem where every journey nurtures the destination’s soul — making Goa not just a place to visit, but a way to travel.

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.