Tag: Global Tourism

Travel

Goa Tourism Showcases Future-Ready Vision at QTM 2025 with Grand Pavilion Inauguration

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Goa Tourism marked a significant milestone at the Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) 2025 with the inauguration of its pavilion by Mr. Vipul, IFS, Indian Ambassador to Qatar, in the presence of Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik, GTDC General Manager (Marketing) Mr. Gavin Dias, and other dignitaries. The event highlighted Goa’s focused global outreach and its commitment to positioning itself as a premium destination aligned with emerging travel trends.

Speaking at the inauguration, Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte emphasized that Goa has entered a transformative phase where sustainability, community empowerment, and experiential tourism are central drivers of growth. He stated that the State’s participation in QTM 2025 strengthens its connection with one of its most important international markets and reinforces its ambition to diversify Goa’s tourism portfolio across leisure, wellness, weddings, adventure, and film tourism. His remarks underscored Goa’s vision of delivering high-quality, responsible, and innovative tourism experiences that match global expectations.

Echoing this vision, Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik highlighted that QTM 2025 provides a valuable opportunity to present Goa beyond its popular coastline by showcasing regenerative tourism models, upgraded infrastructure, and curated visitor experiences designed for authenticity and quality. The interactions on the opening day demonstrated strong international interest in Goa as a multifaceted destination capable of offering memorable and meaningful experiences.

The pavilion presented a refreshed narrative of Goa’s tourism landscape, displaying new and evolving offerings shaped by global travel trends. Visitors were introduced to the State’s strengthened focus on regenerative tourism, community-led initiatives, and improved visitor infrastructure, along with emerging verticals such as nocto tourism, jet-setting through film and screen tourism, and calming wellness-oriented “calmcations.” The State’s expanding portfolio reflects its long-term commitment to sustainable development and experience-driven travel.

Throughout the day, the Goa pavilion witnessed enthusiastic participation from travel trade professionals, international tour operators, media delegates, and industry buyers. Conversations revolved around infrastructure advancements, digital tourism innovations, heritage conservation projects, and community-driven tourism circuits that aim to create meaningful impact for both travellers and local communities.

The opening day concluded on an optimistic note, reinforcing Goa Tourism’s strong presence at QTM 2025. With a future-ready vision and a comprehensive tourism offering, the Goa delegation is set to continue its engagements over the next two days, deepening partnerships and strengthening the State’s global position as a diverse, responsible, and world-class travel destination.

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.