Tag: Feels Like Goa

Travel

Goa Tourism Concludes Successful Bahrain Roadshow, Showcasing New Experiences and Stronger GCC Partnerships

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Goa Tourism marked another milestone in its international outreach by successfully concluding its Bahrain Roadshow, which saw an enthusiastic response from travel trade professionals, media representatives, airline partners, and members of the Goan diaspora. The evening was graced by His Excellency Mr. Vinod K. Jacob, Ambassador of India to Bahrain, and key leaders from Goa Tourism including Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism; Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism; Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director of GTDC; and Mr. Harish Satlekar, Marketing Manager at GTDC. Together they presented the refreshed tourism positioning of the state, introducing contemporary themes such as Nocto Tourism, Jet-Setting, and CalmCation, brought to life through the newly launched Feels Like Goa campaign that focuses on authenticity, emotion, and the distinctive spirit of Goa.

Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte expressed that Bahrain continues to be a strategic and promising market for Goa, with the impressive turnout reflecting strong trust and interest in the destination. He emphasized that the new tourism themes aim to resonate with today’s travellers by offering curated experiences that go beyond traditional tourism. The event was further elevated by the presence of notable dignitaries from Bahrain’s travel sector, including Ms. Fatima Ahmed, President of ABTTA; Mr. Hussain Zaman, Country Manager for Gulf Air, the only airline offering direct flights between Goa and Bahrain; and Mr. Noel Fernandes, President of the Young Goans Club. Their participation highlighted the significance of the event for bilateral tourism collaboration.

The audience was treated to captivating Goan folk dance performances, including the iconic dekhni and corridinho, which brought the vibrant cultural heritage of Goa to life. Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, reiterated the immense potential of the Bahrain market and shared that the Feels Like Goa narrative places culture, cuisine, heritage, and immersive experiences at the forefront. Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director of GTDC, highlighted the ongoing upgrades to hospitality infrastructure and the enhancements in residencies and transport services, ensuring improved comfort and reliability for visitors from Bahrain.

One of the major highlights of the evening was the Destination Presentation, featuring specially curated films showcasing Goa’s diverse tourism landscape—from beaches and heritage sites to festive traditions, hinterland attractions, and new experiential initiatives. The program concluded with a lively networking dinner, where trade partners, media, airline representatives, and members of the diaspora engaged with Goa Tourism officials to explore collaborative opportunities and future possibilities for expanding connectivity and tourism offerings.

The Bahrain Roadshow forms a crucial part of Goa Tourism’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the GCC region. With consistent trade engagement, improved air connectivity, and a renewed focus on diversified experiences, Goa continues to position itself as a dynamic, year-round destination for travellers seeking authenticity, culture, and memorable experiences.

Travel

Goa to Spotlight Regenerative Tourism & “Feels Like Goa” Campaign at WTM London 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa is set to make a powerful impression on the global tourism map as it participates in World Travel Market (WTM) London 2025, from 4th to 6th November. The Department of Tourism will unveil two key narratives: the state’s Regenerative Tourism model, and its deeply emotional, year-end campaign, “Feels Like Goa.”

Unlike traditional promotional strategies, Goa’s approach this year is rooted in its people, culture, and environment. As India’s first state to formally adopt Regenerative Tourism, Goa aims not just to preserve but to actively restore ecosystems, empower local communities, and celebrate its unique spiritual and cultural heritage. This vision is guided by four foundational pillars—People, Community, Environment, and Economy—with a strong commitment to ensuring that tourism benefits everyone, not just economically, but emotionally and culturally as well.

The “Feels Like Goa” campaign is more than marketing—it’s a heartfelt call to travelers to reconnect with the emotions, nostalgia, and magic that make Goa unforgettable. From village feasts and soulful sunsets to the vibrant end-of-year celebrations that define Goa’s festive spirit, the campaign captures what it truly means to experience the state. It reminds global audiences that Goa is not just a location—it’s a feeling of belonging, warmth, and discovery.

At WTM London, the focus will also be on Goa Beyond Beaches—an invitation to discover the lesser-known spiritual trails, heritage circuits, hinterland escapes, and vibrant cultural festivals that lie beyond the coast. Initiatives like the Ekadasha Teertha Circuit aim to draw attention to Goa’s deep spiritual roots while ensuring that local communities are central to the tourism economy.

Culinary tourism will also take centre stage, highlighting Goa’s diverse and storied food culture. With influences from Hindu, Portuguese, Saraswat, and tribal traditions, Goan cuisine reflects centuries of cultural exchange. Visitors will be invited to explore Goa’s rich flavours through curated culinary trails, traditional feasts, and modern interpretations that continue to evolve.

The state’s vision includes robust plans for the future—investing in community-led tourism enterprises, supporting women and youth empowerment, promoting sustainable infrastructure, and nurturing biodiversity. New projects such as the Unity Mall, Porvorim Town Square, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum are set to enhance Goa’s position as a multi-dimensional tourism destination.

As Goa prepares for the final months of 2025, its participation at WTM London represents a new chapter in how the state defines and shares its identity with the world. This is a tourism model that regenerates, uplifts, and inspires—not only delivering memorable experiences to travelers, but ensuring that every visit contributes positively to Goa’s people and its future.

At WTM London 2025, Goa invites the world to go beyond the beaches, to taste its cuisine, walk its spiritual paths, explore its living traditions, and above all—feel like Goa.

Travel

Goa Gears Up for a Memorable Year-End with ‘Feels Like Goa’ Campaign

allycaralgoa

Panaji, 10th October 2025: As the festive season draws near, Goa is set to welcome visitors with its new year-end campaign — “Feels Like Goa”, a heartfelt celebration of the state’s timeless charm, cultural richness, spiritual essence, and festive spirit.

Designed by the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, the campaign aims to evoke nostalgia and rekindle the emotional connection travelers share with Goa — reminding the world that Goa is not merely a destination, but a feeling.

Speaking about the campaign, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, said:

“Goa has always held a special place in the hearts of travelers across the world. With ‘Feels Like Goa’, we are bringing back the essence of what makes Goa truly unique — its people, culture, and soul. This campaign is a tribute to timeless memories and an invitation to experience Goa with the same emotion and warmth as always.”

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added:

“We are committed to regenerative tourism — creating meaningful experiences that benefit both travelers and local communities. This campaign revives travel sentiment and supports local businesses while preserving the essence of Goa.”

The Department’s vision for Goa’s tourism future is rooted in sustainability and inclusivity. Alongside the campaign, Goa has laid the foundation for Unity Mall, Porvorim Town Square, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum — key projects that diversify travel experiences beyond beaches and nightlife.

Through “Feels Like Goa”, the government aims to position the state as a multi-dimensional destination — one where every sunset, festival, and smile carries a story.

As 2025 draws to a close, Goa invites the world to come home to its heart — to feel its rhythm, warmth, and joy once again.