Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral
Panjim, 17th September 2025 – As part of the month-long build-up to 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, conducted two immersive student activities: an Electric Cycle Tour at Chorao and a “Life of Pao” Bread-Making Experience at Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts and Science, Devorlim.
The initiatives are designed to promote regenerative and experiential tourism, while building awareness among youth about Goa’s natural and cultural heritage.
Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, said:
“Through activities like today’s Electric Cycle Tour and Bread-Making Experience, we want to engage the youth in authentic experiences and instill in them a sense of ownership towards Goa’s heritage, ecology and traditions. This aligns with our vision to make Goa a model for regenerative tourism.”
Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added:
“These hands-on programmes are more than just excursions; they are an educational journey for students, sensitising them to sustainability, local livelihoods and community engagement.”
The Electric Cycle Tour at Chorao offered students an opportunity to explore Goa’s ecology, biodiversity, and village landscapes in a sustainable manner. Meanwhile, the Life of Pao Bread-Making Experience immersed them in Goa’s culinary traditions, teaching them the cultural significance and heritage of the iconic Goan bread.
With the participation of colleges and schools through the Yuva Tourism Club, these initiatives are shaping the next generation of responsible travellers who appreciate the importance of sustainability, community, and cultural preservation.
The Department of Tourism will continue hosting a series of programs throughout September, leading up to special events and grand celebrations on World Tourism Day 2025.
In the lead-up to World Tourism Day 2025 on September 27, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, has launched an ambitious month-long celebration in collaboration with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), SKAL International Goa, and the Yuva Tourism Clubs across the state. This comprehensive series of activities reflects Goa’s progressive vision for sustainable, inclusive, and experiential tourism.
The month of September has been transformed into a canvas for immersive, localised experiences that showcase the state’s rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, culinary traditions, and community spirit. These efforts are part of Goa’s broader commitment to regenerative tourism, where travel experiences are designed not just to entertain but to positively impact both visitors and host communities.
Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, noted that the initiative aims to showcase Goa as a year-round destination with authentic experiences. He emphasized the role of youth in driving this change, highlighting the Yuva Tourism Club’s involvement in fostering a culture of responsible travel. Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, reiterated the state’s holistic approach — blending heritage, nature, gastronomy, and inclusive events — to create a vibrant and future-ready tourism landscape.
The public is invited to take part in a variety of curated experiences such as a Bioluminescence Forest Walk, Cruise & Kayaking Trail, Folgar forest picnics, heritage walks at Monte Santo and Aguad, and traditional bread-making workshops. A visit to the Mulgao Folk Village will immerse participants in local customs, music and coconut farming techniques. Each activity is designed to engage both tourists and residents, creating opportunities for shared discovery and cultural exchange.
At the heart of the celebration is youth engagement. Through the Yuva Tourism Club, these experiences are being introduced to students in schools and colleges across Goa to raise awareness about sustainability and instill pride in local culture. The calendar includes a biodiversity walk at Carambolim Lake, electric cycle tours, and hands-on culinary activities that allow students to engage with Goa’s unique ecological and culinary identity.
Culinary enthusiasts can look forward to cooking competitions hosted at IIHM Goa and IHM Goa on various dates, inviting participants to explore the depth and diversity of Goan cuisine. These events aim to bridge traditional food knowledge with modern gastronomy, sparking creativity and cultural appreciation among the youth.
In a significant move toward inclusive tourism, the Department of Tourism will host two special boat cruises — one on September 26 for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and children from orphanages, and another on September 27 dedicated to special children from Rotary institutions. These events underscore Goa’s commitment to making tourism accessible to all, irrespective of age or ability.
On World Tourism Day, September 27, the state will also host its largest Tourism Stakeholders’ Meet at Grand Hyatt Goa. The event will feature the presentation of the Vincent Ramos Scholarship and a key announcement — the launch of Goa’s dedicated MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) Promotion Bureau, a strategic move to position the state as a premier destination for business tourism.
The celebrations will conclude on September 28 with a special one-day Film Festival at the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), showcasing heritage-themed films that focus on sustainability, community engagement, and conservation.
This year’s World Tourism Day theme in Goa is not just about attracting tourists — it’s about reimagining what tourism can mean for local communities, the environment, and future generations. The Department of Tourism invites everyone — residents, students, visitors, and stakeholders — to experience Goa through a fresh, immersive, and meaningful lens.
Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral
Goa was conferred with the Special Editorial Award for ‘Promoting Tourism through Festivals’ by The Week. The recognition underscores the state’s commitment to promoting its vibrant cultural heritage and rich festival traditions as a cornerstone of its tourism strategy. Goa has long been celebrated for its beautiful beaches, but this award shines a light on the state’s efforts to go beyond its coastal appeal and establish itself as a dynamic cultural destination.
The award recognizes the role of festivals—spanning traditional, religious, and community-based events—in enriching the visitor experience and adding a unique dimension to Goa’s tourism offerings. From carnival parades to spiritual celebrations, Goa’s diverse cultural calendar has become an essential part of the state’s identity.
Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, expressed pride in the recognition, stating, “This award highlights the collective efforts of the Department of Tourism and the people of Goa in promoting Goa’s unique identity through its festivals.” His remarks emphasize the collaborative spirit between the government and the community in positioning Goa as a culturally rich and welcoming destination.
Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, also acknowledged the honour, saying, “We were deeply honoured that Goa was recognised by The Week for its commitment to promoting tourism through festivals. Our festivals reflected the diversity, unity, and cultural richness of the state. This recognition reinforced our vision of taking Goa beyond beaches. Such acknowledgements inspired us to continue creating avenues where culture and tourism work together for the benefit of our people and visitors alike.”
This recognition from The Week not only validates the innovative approach taken by Goa Tourism but also sets a precedent for other regions looking to integrate cultural preservation with sustainable tourism development. As Goa continues to evolve as a cultural hub, its festivals remain a powerful expression of its heritage and a meaningful way to connect with both residents and travellers from across the globe.
In a progressive step blending national interest with innovative tourism infrastructure usage, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) to host Cyber Commando Training Programs at the Farmagudi Residency in Ponda, Goa.
The formal signing took place in Panaji, with Prof. Naveen Kumar Chaudhary, Director of NFSU, and Shri Gavin Dias, General Manager (Marketing) Hotels, GTDC, executing the agreement. The ceremony was witnessed by key officials including Shri Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager (Marketing), GTDC, and Shri Sunder Lal Sharma, Deputy Registrar, NFSU. Following the event, the NFSU delegation met with Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Chairman of GTDC, at Paryatan Bhavan to discuss the scope and impact of the partnership.
This MoU marks a significant milestone, not only by opening up GTDC’s Farmagudi Residency for a national security initiative but also by reinforcing the state’s “Goa Beyond Beaches” campaign. The initiative emphasizes developing the hinterland and promoting sustainable, diversified tourism experiences beyond Goa’s well-known coastline.
Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar expressed pride in the partnership, stating that this collaboration highlights how GTDC properties can serve national objectives while boosting regional tourism. He noted that the upcoming NFSU campus in his constituency would further strengthen these developments.
Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director, GTDC, emphasized the innovative use of GTDC assets, underscoring the organization’s commitment to supporting initiatives of national importance and adapting its tourism offerings to new contexts.
Farmagudi Residency, the training venue, is situated in a peaceful, scenic location in Ponda, approximately 26 km from Panaji and 36 km from Dabolim Airport. The facility offers comfortable accommodations, landscaped gardens, and a tranquil atmosphere ideal for both intensive training and leisure.
This collaboration between GTDC and NFSU exemplifies the potential for public sector partnerships to align with national priorities while enhancing regional development and tourism. It represents a vision of integrated progress where infrastructure, education, and sustainable tourism go hand in hand.
Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral
Goa Tourism recently hosted a distinguished delegation of influencers, travel agents, and partners from Oman on an exclusive three-day journey that brought together the best of Goa’s culture, heritage, and hospitality. This carefully curated visit was designed to deepen cultural ties and lay the foundation for future tourism collaborations between Goa and Oman, reflecting centuries of shared history and maritime exchange between the two regions.
The journey began with a warm welcome at The Yellow House, a charming heritage site that perfectly set the tone for what lay ahead. Here, the delegation was introduced to Goan warmth and hospitality over a traditional high tea, giving them their first taste of the state’s rich culinary and social traditions.
A guided heritage walk at the historic Aguad Port and Jail Complex followed, immersing guests in Goa’s layered past, colonial architecture, and stories that have shaped its identity. The experience provided a meaningful context to Goa beyond its beaches, spotlighting the state’s deep-rooted cultural significance.
Later, the delegation visited Devaaya in Malar, Divar, where a wholesome brunch was served amidst serene surroundings. The location is known for promoting holistic living and wellness rooted in Goan traditions — a growing appeal for international travelers seeking mindful travel experiences. A lively stroll through the local market introduced the guests to the vibrancy of everyday Goan life, with its riot of colors, spices, and friendly chatter.
The Honourable Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized the importance of the visit by stating, “Goa has shared longstanding cultural and historical ties with Oman, rooted in centuries of trade, exchange, and shared traditions.” Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, added, “This visit was an opportunity to showcase Goa’s diverse offerings and highlight Goa’s commitment to creating memorable experiences for visitors from Arabian countries.”
The visit culminated with a beachside dinner at Britto’s, one of Goa’s most iconic culinary landmarks, where the delegation savored Goan cuisine against the backdrop of a starlit coastline. Before departing, guests were taken to the historic Taj Heritage Village — a fitting close to a journey that celebrated heritage, hospitality, and future partnerships.
