Tag: goa tourism

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Goa Wins ‘Best Destination for Resort Weddings’ at Wed In India 2025 Awards

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, August 5, 2025: Goa, India’s premier coastal paradise, has been crowned the ‘Best Destination for Resort Weddings’ at the Wed In India 2025 Awards, held at the Taj Palace in New Delhi. The accolade celebrates Goa’s growing stature as a leading wedding destination, offering a mix of luxury, culture, and natural charm that continues to attract couples from across the globe.

The award was formally received by Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Secretary (Tourism), Government of Goa, in the presence of top wedding and tourism industry leaders from across the country.

Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, expressed pride in the recognition, stating:

“Our unique blend of luxury, culture, and natural beauty continues to inspire couples to choose Goa for their special celebrations. We remain committed to strengthening the infrastructure and services that support the wedding industry, while ensuring that every event hosted here contributes positively to the local economy and community.”

Adding to this, Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, commented:

“Goa is an ideal location for resort weddings, with its beautiful heritage sites, luxury resorts, and rich cultural experiences. This award encourages us to keep improving and ensure that destination weddings add real value to Goa’s economy and create more jobs for our people.”

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, emphasised Goa’s growing appeal for both domestic and international wedding planners:

“This recognition highlights the growing appeal of Goa for destination weddings. Our aim is to ensure that every celebration held here reflects the beauty, culture, and warmth that Goa is known for. We are continuously working with our partners to offer couples and their guests a well-organised and unforgettable experience.”

From sun-kissed beaches and Portuguese-era churches to state-of-the-art resorts and boutique properties, Goa’s offerings make it the ideal setting for dream weddings. The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, has been instrumental in curating experiences and improving services that enhance Goa’s profile as a top-tier destination wedding hotspot.

The state looks forward to further strengthening its position through innovation, improved infrastructure, and inclusive tourism practices, making every celebration not just memorable for the couple, but beneficial for the local community and economy.

Events in Goa

Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte Drove Goa ‘Beyond Beaches’ with RFC India 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa, August 2025
 For decades, Goa was synonymous with sun-kissed beaches and relaxed holidays. But under the visionary leadership of Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, the state ventured deep into uncharted terrain—both literally and figuratively.

The 11th edition of RFC India 2025 officially kicked off in the hinterlands of Goa, putting the spotlight on the state’s rugged natural terrain and potential as a top-tier destination for adventure and sports tourism.

A Bold Vision: Goa Beyond Beaches

“Known over the World as a Sun, Sand & Sea Destination, Our Goa is going Beyond Beaches with alternative options of Adventure & Sports Tourism,”
— Rohan Khaunte, Tourism Minister of Goa

With that statement, Minister Khaunte signaled a clear intent: Goa’s future lay not just on its shores, but also in its forests, hills, and challenging off-road tracks. Hosting RFC India was not just about motorsports—it was about tourism reinvention.

RFC India 2025: Bigger, Bolder, Better

Organized by Cougar Motorsport, RFC India was the official Indian chapter of the iconic Rainforest Challenge of Malaysia—rated among the world’s top five toughest off-road events. Since its debut in 2014, it had grown into India’s most prestigious motorsport event.

🚜 Key Stats:

  • 77 teams from 11 Indian states
  • First-time participation from Meghalaya
  • Women participants across all 3 categories
  • Host state Goa represented by 9 teams

The competition was expanded with the addition of:

  • 4X4 Extreme (25 teams, 26 stages)
  • 4X4 Modified (22 teams, 20 stages)
  • 4X4 Stock (30 teams, 14 stages)

Why This Mattered for Goa Tourism

Goa’s participation as both host and competitor reinforced Minister Khaunte’s broader tourism strategy—diversification, sustainability, and year-round attraction.

From promoting hinterland trails and treks to welcoming national and international adventure events, Goa crafted a new tourism identity that was:

  • Less seasonal
  • More inclusive
  • Environmentally conscious

Economically decentralized

Inclusivity and Growth

RFC India 2025 was also a model of inclusive sports tourism:

  • Women competed in all categories
  • New regions like Meghalaya entered the circuit
  • First-time 4X4 owners participated thanks to the Stock & Modified formats

The Minister’s Mission

By bringing events like RFC to Goa, Rohan Khaunte tapped into a growing segment of global travelers seeking active, immersive, and experiential journeys. Goa’s unique terrain, combined with its hospitality infrastructure, made it an ideal hub for sports-based tourism.

“You will be tested in mind, body and machine — a true initiation into the global RFC community.”
— Luis J.A. Wee, Founder, Rainforest Challenge

A New Goa Emerged

RFC India 2025 was more than a motorsport event. It was a statement—that Goa was evolving.

From the beach to the backwoods, from cocktails to camo, from leisure to challenge—this was the Goa of tomorrow.

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Goa Tourism Wins Excellence Award for ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’ Campaign at TTF Ahmedabad 2025

allycaralgoa

Panjim, 2nd August 2025 – The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, concluded its participation at the Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) Ahmedabad 2025 on a high note, receiving the Excellence Award for the Special Campaign on ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’. The recognition was presented at the Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar, where the event was held from 31st July to 2nd August 2025.

Led by Shri Pravinkumar Faldessai, Senior Manager, GTDC, along with Smt. Concy Pereira, Asst. Tourism Officer, and Smt. Isabelinda Vaz, Information Assistant, the Goa delegation engaged extensively with travel agents, tour operators, and media partners throughout the three-day event.

Commenting on the achievement, Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, said “We are honoured to receive this recognition at TTF Ahmedabad 2025. The ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’ campaign is part of our mission to create a more inclusive, responsible, and diversified tourism experience. This award validates our ongoing efforts to make Goa a 12-month destination anchored in sustainability, culture, and community participation.”

This accolade reflects Goa Tourism’s strategic efforts to reposition the state as a destination that offers more than just sun and sand. The award celebrates the Department’s continued commitment to regenerative tourism, highlighting experiences that span heritage, hinterlands, culture, festivals, and community-led initiatives.

The Goa Pavilion drew significant attention for its immersive storytelling, featuring curated themes around wellness and Ayurveda, spiritual tourism, adventure and monsoon travel, and community-based rural experiences. The display also spotlighted Goa’s vibrant festival calendar, from Chikhal Kalo and Sao Joao to Shigmo, Spirit of Goa, and Carnaval, all of which are attracting experiential travellers from across India.

The Department’s presence at TTF Ahmedabad forms part of its broader outreach strategy to reinforce Goa’s position as a future-ready destination that blends tradition with innovation.

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Goa Tourism Showcases Its Diverse Offerings at TTF Ahmedabad 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Gandhinagar, July 31, 2025: The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, marked its presence on the inaugural day of Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) Ahmedabad 2025, one of India’s leading travel trade platforms. The event, taking place at Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar, runs from July 31 to August 2 and serves as a vital outreach opportunity to engage with key domestic tourism markets.

The Goa Tourism Pavilion stands out for its theme: Goa – A Responsible and Immersive Travel Destination. The delegation, led by Shri Pravinkumar Faldessai (Senior Manager, GTDC), Smt. Concy Pereira (Asst. Tourism Officer), and Smt. Isabelinda Vaz (Information Assistant), aims to reposition Goa as more than just a beach destination.

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, emphasized the importance of such platforms:

“Our participation focuses on promoting Goa as a year-round destination offering rich cultural heritage, wellness, spirituality, adventure, and immersive rural experiences.”

The Goa Pavilion offers a deep dive into several tourism themes:

  • Spiritual Tourism & Ayurveda
  • Adventure & Monsoon Trails in the Hinterlands
  • Homestays & Community-Based Travel
  • Wellness Retreats & Cultural Tourism

Goa’s vibrant festival calendar is also being promoted. Visitors to the pavilion can learn about traditional celebrations like Sao Joao, Shigmo, Chikhal Kalo, Carnaval, and the Spirit of Goa Festival—which are increasingly drawing experiential travellers from across India and beyond.

The Department’s outreach at TTF Ahmedabad is part of a broader strategy to attract quality, sustainable tourism by forging stronger partnerships with tour operators, digital platforms, travel media, and stakeholders in the domestic travel trade.

With a commitment to inclusive, future-ready tourism, the Department of Tourism invites all stakeholders to visit the Goa Pavilion and discover the many ways in which Goa continues to evolve—balancing tradition with innovation.

📍 Event: TTF Ahmedabad 2025
📆 Dates: July 31 – August 2, 2025
📍 Venue: Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar

Business

GCCI Welcomes India-UK Free Trade Agreement: A Game-Changer for Goa’s Economy

allycaralgoa

Panaji, Goa | July 25, 2025 — The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), under the leadership of President Ms. Pratima Dhond, has welcomed the recently concluded India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This landmark economic pact, signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to London, is projected to double bilateral trade from USD 60 billion to USD 120 billion by 2030.

According to GCCI, the agreement is expected to deliver significant economic benefits for Goa, across key sectors such as:

🔑 Key Benefits for Goa:

  • 🏖 Tourism: The FTA will likely enhance inbound tourism from the UK, Goa’s largest international tourist market. With easier travel protocols and business synergy, the state’s hospitality sector is poised to grow.
  • 🥃 Feni Exports: Goa’s heritage spirit feni gains Geographical Indication (GI) protection in the UK under the agreement. It opens new doors for premium positioning in UK’s hospitality and retail chains, as Indian craft spirits gain popularity abroad.
  • 🐟 Marine Exports: The duty-free access for seafood and marine products will bolster Goa’s blue economy, benefitting coastal communities and exporters.
  • 🧵 Textiles and Footwear: Local manufacturers will benefit from zero tariffs, making Goan products more competitive in UK markets.
  • 💻 IT & Professional Services: Indian professionals, including those from Goa, will enjoy relaxed visa norms and social security exemptions, encouraging global mobility of talent and cross-border collaboration.

PHARMA SECTOR

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is also expected to significantly benefit Goa’s pharmaceutical sector, along with other industries.

  • Zero-duty access: The FTA provides zero-duty access to the UK market for nearly 99% of Indian exports, including pharmaceuticals. This move is expected to increase India’s pharma exports to the UK, which currently stands at under $1 billion, despite the UK importing nearly $30 billion worth of pharma products.
  • Growth opportunities: The agreement is anticipated to unlock major export opportunities for India’s pharmaceutical sector, with the potential to increase exports by a substantial margin. India’s pharma industry sees the UK as a strategic market, and the FTA is expected to boost confidence among investors and global partners.
  • Competitive advantage: With the elimination of tariffs on generic drugs and medical devices, Indian pharma companies can capitalize on the UK’s $30 billion annual pharma imports. This move will make Indian products more competitive in the UK market, potentially leading to increased market share.
  • CDMO and bulk drug benefits: The FTA is also expected to benefit Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) services and bulk drug exports. This development will provide significant relief to generic drug makers, who typically operate on thin profit margins.

“We are delighted to see the India-UK FTA take shape. This agreement is a testament to the strong bilateral ties between our two nations and will undoubtedly benefit our state in numerous ways,”
said Ms. Pratima Dhond, President, GCCI.

The GCCI has expressed its commitment to working with government agencies and local businesses to ensure that Goa makes the most of this opportunity. The chamber also sees the FTA as a model for how regional economies like Goa can integrate into global supply chains and take full advantage of international collaborations.

As India strengthens its trade relations globally, this FTA positions Goa to rise as a hub for sustainable tourism, quality manufacturing, heritage exports, and talent mobility.

The GCCI urges entrepreneurs and exporters in the state to actively explore the new channels that will emerge under the India-UK FTA.