Tag: goa tourism

Films

Goa to Spotlight Its Soul Through Cinema at Heritage for Sustainability Film Festival

Tanisha Cardozo

Cinema is about storytelling, and on September 28, 2025, Goa will tell its story through 13 compelling films and documentaries at the Heritage for Sustainability Film Festival. Organized by non-profit Heritage First Goa (HFG) in collaboration with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), SKAL International Goa, and Goa Tourism, the one-day festival will be hosted at the ESG auditorium in Panaji as part of the state’s extended World Tourism Day celebrations.

The festival brings together a curated selection of films created by Goan filmmakers, each reflecting the intricate connections between Goa’s cultural heritage, its natural environment, and the sense of belonging rooted in its land. Titles like Bread & Belonging, Islands on the Island, The Birdman of Chorao, Kharvan, I Am Nothing, and Caazu promise to engage audiences in meaningful dialogue through cinematic expression. These narratives will be brought to life not only through the screen but also via panel discussions and live interactions with the filmmakers themselves.

According to Heta Pandit, Director of Heritage First Goa, the festival is a way to deepen the understanding of Goa beyond its party and beach image. “Goa gets lakhs of tourists every year. We want to highlight that Goa is more than just a commodity — it is fragile, layered, and deserving of respect,” she said. Filmmaker Gasper De Souza believes the festival will give younger voices an important platform, while Sonia Filinto, director of Bread & Belonging, emphasizes the need for conversations that bring together people who care about Goa’s future.

The Heritage for Sustainability Film Festival offers a unique blend of storytelling, reflection, and community engagement. Tickets are priced affordably at ₹250 for general admission and ₹150 for students, with a flexible ‘pay as you like’ option to encourage wider participation and support for HFG’s future initiatives.

As part of World Tourism Day, this film festival is not just an event—it is a call to view Goa with fresh eyes and to preserve what makes it truly Goan.

Travel

Goa Tourism Hosts Heritage Walk, Forest Picnic & Carambolim Lake Experience for World Tourism Day 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

As part of the celebrations for World Tourism Day 2025, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), SKAL International Goa, and the Yuva Tourism Club, hosted a series of enriching tourism experiences across the state. These included a captivating Heritage Walk at the Aguad Port & Jail Complex, a tranquil ‘Picnic by the Forest Stream’ in Bicholim, and a serene Nature Experience at Carambolim Lake. Each event was designed to deepen appreciation for Goa’s historical, cultural, and ecological richness.

These initiatives align with Goa Tourism’s vision of promoting regenerative and experiential tourism. By bringing together students, tourism stakeholders, and visitors, the activities encouraged a stronger connection to Goa’s diverse landscapes and stories. The Heritage Walk at Aguad introduced participants to fascinating chapters of Goa’s colonial history, while the forest picnic in Bicholim offered a moment of peace and community in the heart of nature. At Carambolim Lake, visitors learned about the region’s wetland biodiversity, underlining the importance of conservation efforts.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized the importance of such inclusive initiatives in shaping Goa’s tourism identity, noting that blending heritage, nature, and community engagement is key to making tourism meaningful. Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, highlighted how these events foster awareness about sustainability and responsible travel among young participants and tourism partners. He noted the enthusiastic participation from educational institutions and stakeholders as a positive sign for the future of tourism in the state.

The World Tourism Day celebrations will continue in the coming days with a grand Tourism Stakeholders’ Meet at Grand Hyatt Goa and a special Film Festival at the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), showcasing stories of heritage and conservation. These initiatives not only celebrate tourism but also reaffirm Goa’s commitment to fostering a tourism model that is inclusive, sustainable, and deeply rooted in its unique identity.

Travel

GTDC to Host Monsoon Trekking Expedition to Tonir Cascade on September 28

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) is offering adventure and nature lovers a rare opportunity to explore one of Goa’s lesser-known natural gems — the Tonir Cascade in Sattari. Scheduled for September 28, 2025, this monsoon trekking expedition is designed to showcase the lush beauty of the Mhadei region during its most vibrant season.

The trek spans approximately 8 kilometers, and is a blend of light adventure and accessible terrain, suitable for all fitness levels. Participants will make their way through scenic forest paths, wade across rain-fed rivers, and navigate natural obstacles such as fallen tree trunks — all adding to the sense of immersive exploration. The trek is expected to take around 1.5 hours of brisk walking one way.

The final reward is a view of the stunning Tonir Cascade, tucked away deep within the forest, and especially majestic during the monsoon season. The journey is as much about the path as the destination, with opportunities to engage with Goa’s rich biodiversity and undisturbed natural environment.

Participants will depart from Paryatan Bhavan, Patto, at 8:00 AM, with transportation included in the ₹1400 registration fee. The trek is open to individuals of all ages who are passionate about nature, eco-tourism, and offbeat travel.

GTDC has issued a list of recommended essentials for the trek: an extra set of clothes, waterproof rainwear, sturdy trekking shoes, snacks, and binoculars for wildlife spotting. For safety and to preserve the ecological integrity of the area, smoking and alcohol consumption will not be allowed during the expedition.

This monsoon trek offers a structured and safe experience for anyone eager to discover the unspoiled monsoon landscapes of Goa while supporting sustainable tourism.

Travel

Goa Tourism Expands Global Footprint with Successful ‘Experience Goa’ Roadshow in Tashkent

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa, 17th September 2025 – The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, marked another milestone in its international outreach efforts with the successful completion of its exclusive ‘Experience Goa’ Roadshow in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Held at the prestigious City Palace on September 15, the roadshow was designed to deepen tourism ties and showcase Goa as a world-class, year-round travel destination that offers far more than just sun and sand.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from Uzbekistan’s leading tour operators, travel agents, airline representatives, and local dignitaries. Attendees engaged directly with Goa Tourism representatives through interactive sessions and business networking opportunities, aimed at fostering long-term collaborations and driving inbound tourism.

In his address to the audience, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, emphasized Goa’s evolution into a destination that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability. He noted that the Tashkent roadshow had opened up new avenues for cooperation and cultural exchange, inviting Uzbek travelers to explore Goa’s rich tapestry of heritage, festivals, wellness experiences, and adventure activities.

Adding his perspective, Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, reiterated that the roadshow had reinforced Goa’s positioning as a destination for authentic and immersive experiences. He highlighted the potential for continued engagement with the Uzbek travel sector to build mutually beneficial tourism partnerships.

The Tashkent showcase brought special focus to Goa’s signature initiatives like “Goa Beyond Beaches” and “Regenerative Tourism,” both of which reflect the state’s commitment to promoting sustainable and community-driven tourism. Attendees were introduced to Goa’s wide range of offerings—ranging from heritage trails and cultural festivals to yoga retreats, eco-resorts, and offbeat adventures.

By highlighting these multifaceted experiences, the roadshow successfully communicated Goa’s identity as a global destination that is both timeless and modern. The event concluded with renewed interest from the Uzbek travel industry in establishing Goa as a priority destination in their travel portfolios.

With this strategic initiative, Goa Tourism continues to broaden its global footprint and forge new international partnerships, staying true to its vision of responsible tourism that brings value to both visitors and local communities.

#food

Restaurants at the Heart of Goa’s Tourism Push, Says Minister at NRAI Summit 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa’s culinary prowess took centre stage at the inaugural NRAI Indian Restaurant Summit 2025, hosted for the first time in the coastal state at Dona Paula. In a powerful keynote address, Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte described the restaurant industry as the “economic backbone” of the state’s tourism economy and an essential pillar of its regenerative tourism model. The three-day summit, themed ‘Serving The Future’, brought together more than 2,500 delegates, 60+ speakers, 500+ brands, and 300+ partners from across India and abroad.

Minister Khaunte emphasized that Goa is actively repositioning itself as a destination that goes “beyond beaches,” embracing culture, heritage, adventure, and sustainability. He underscored that regenerative tourism in Goa is built on four pillars — people, community, economy, and environment — and that food is central to this journey. At the summit, the minister also felicitated iconic Goan food institutions such as Longuinhos, Café Central, Café Tato, Mr Baker, Sher e Punjab, Jila Bakery, Goenchin, and Titos, as well as legendary chefs including Urbano Rego and the late Caridade Alfonso.

Organized by the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), the summit featured panel discussions and workshops highlighting the transition of Goa from a nightlife-centric beach destination to a serious global culinary hub. Topics included regional cuisine, cocktail culture, the evolution of café life, and the emergence of Indian cities as global food destinations. Global and national culinary icons including Roni Mazumdar, AD Singh, Ashneer Grover, Riyaaz Amlani, Ashish Tulsian, Manish Mehrotra, Ranveer Brar, Saransh Goila, and Vicky Ratnani brought international insight to the event.

Panaji Mayor Rohit Monserrate was also in attendance, showing support for the evolving role of food in Goa’s socio-economic development. NRAI Goa Chapter head Prahlad Sukhtankar noted that Goa’s offline restaurant industry now accounts for 55% of the sector — far ahead of the national average of 43% — a sign of stronger compliance, structure, and long-term growth potential.

By honouring local cuisine and encouraging innovation rooted in tradition, the summit reaffirmed that for Goa, food is not just about dining — it is about culture, community, and sustainable economic empowerment.