Tag: goa tourism

Travel

Goa Sees Near-Full Hotel Occupancy as New Year Begins on a High Tourism Note

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Panjim | January 29, 2026

Written by Alisha Fernandes || Allycaral

Goa has ushered in the New Year on a robust tourism footing, with hotels across the State reporting near-full to full occupancy, reaffirming its position as one of India’s most preferred travel destinations. The strong performance during the New Year period highlights sustained demand and sets a positive tone for the tourism sector in the months ahead.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, said the encouraging figures reflect the success of the State’s focused and long-term tourism strategy.
“The strong hotel occupancy witnessed at the start of the New Year reflects the success of our focused approach towards quality tourism. Our emphasis has been on diversifying tourism experiences, improving infrastructure, and promoting responsible and regenerative tourism practices. This growth is not just about numbers, but about creating meaningful economic opportunities for local communities while ensuring long-term sustainability of the destination,” he stated.

The impressive occupancy levels are attributed to consistent efforts aimed at enhancing destination readiness, improving connectivity, and positioning Goa as a year-round tourism destination. Visitors arriving during the New Year period showed growing interest beyond the beaches, exploring cultural, wellness, spiritual, and hinterland tourism experiences — leading to a more balanced tourism footprint across the State.

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, noted that the New Year response validates the evolving direction of Goa’s tourism ecosystem.
“The encouraging occupancy levels are a direct outcome of strategic planning, destination preparedness, and continuous engagement with stakeholders. Goa’s tourism ecosystem is evolving with a focus on experiences beyond the beaches, and the New Year response clearly validates this direction,” he said.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the strong start to the year, observing increased confidence among travellers and tour operators. The surge in arrivals has also generated a positive ripple effect across allied sectors including transport services, restaurants, homestays, and local businesses, strengthening the overall tourism economy.

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Jack Sukhija, President, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), said, “The New Year has commenced on an extremely positive note for Goa’s tourism sector, with hotel occupancies touching very high levels across categories. This clearly indicates sustained demand and renewed confidence among travellers.”

With the Department of Tourism continuing to work closely with industry partners to ensure safe, seamless, and high-quality visitor experiences, Goa’s tourism sector appears well-positioned for steady, inclusive, and sustainable growth in 2026.

Social

Seahorse Platforms Add Extra Vigilance on Goa’s High-Footfall Beaches: Drishti Marine

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Drishti Marine’s newly deployed Seahorse temporary floating platforms are already playing a crucial role in lifesaving operations along Goa’s coastline, reinforcing beach safety as an added layer of vigilance during one of the state’s busiest tourist seasons.


Since their introduction in December 2025, a total of 34 rescues have been recorded at beaches where the Seahorse platforms are deployed. In December, 11 rescues were carried out—seven at Calangute, three at Candolim and one at Miramar. In January 2026 so far, rescues have increased to 23, with Miramar accounting for 13 rescues, followed by Calangute with seven and Candolim with three. No rescues were reported at Baina during this period.

The Seahorse platforms have been deployed at Calangute, Candolim and Miramar in North Goa, and Baina in South Goa, supplementing existing safety infrastructure such as beach towers and shore-based patrols. Positioned offshore, the platforms allow lifesavers to monitor swimmers from vantage points at sea—particularly valuable in high-footfall areas where land-based visibility can be limited.

Recently, one of the Seahorse platforms assisted in the successful rescue of 13 students from the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) off Miramar beach.

“In many situations, every second matters. With the Seahorse platforms, our teams are positioned closer to the risk zone, which significantly cuts reaction time. What earlier took three to five minutes can now be addressed in under a minute—and that difference can mean a life saved,” said Austin Collaco, General Manager (Operations), Drishti Marine.

According to Collaco, lifesavers can now be dispatched to water-based emergencies in under five seconds. “Within about five seconds of receiving the rescue alert, the jet ski is on its way. It can cover a distance of 100 metres in roughly two to four seconds, depending on water conditions,” he explained.

Each Seahorse unit accommodates four to six lifesavers and is equipped with a jet ski ramp, rescue boards, surfboards and rescue tubes. The elevated structure provides a wider field of vision over nearshore swimming zones, while the jet ski enables immediate response to emergencies.

The deployment of Seahorse platforms also addresses challenges caused by increasing sand erosion along several beaches, which has made some conventional lifesaver towers unstable or difficult to relocate. The floating platforms are anchored to the seabed and positioned approximately 20 to 30 metres offshore, depending on depth and tidal conditions.

Of the four temporary floating platforms initially deployed, two are currently positioned at Miramar and Baina beaches respectively.

Drishti Marine currently deploys over 450 lifesavers across 24 beaches in North Goa and 30 beaches in South Goa, along with inland locations including Dudhsagar waterfalls and Mayem lake, ensuring comprehensive safety coverage across the state.

Sports

Goa Gears Up for Cricket Carnival as World Legends Pro T20 League Gets Underway

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

Goa, January 25, 2026:
The roar of cricketing legends is set to echo across Goa as the World Legends Pro T20 League (WLPT20L) officially gets underway tomorrow at 7:30 PM at the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium in Verna. Featuring 90 iconic players from across the globe, the league promises ten days of high-intensity T20 cricket, blending international sporting excellence with the vibrant spirit of Goa.


The tournament opener will see a clash of titans, with the Delhi Warriors, captained by Harbhajan Singh, taking on the Dubai Royals, led by Shikhar Dhawan. The league will subsequently move into a double-header format, offering fans back-to-back matches and an immersive cricketing experience.

A New Chapter for Sports Tourism in Goa

Traditionally known for its scenic coastline and cultural vibrancy, Goa is steadily carving a niche as a premier destination for global sporting events. With Goa Tourism as the Presenting Sponsor, the World Legends Pro T20 League marks a significant step in strengthening the state’s sports tourism calendar, attracting fans from across India and overseas.

Speaking at the press conference, Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted that the league brings together sport, spectators and destination appeal in a seamless manner. He noted that events featuring iconic players not only revive passion for the game but also spotlight Goa as a host destination, backed by strong infrastructure, enthusiastic audiences and a welcoming environment for teams and fans alike.

Legends Return to the Field

More than a nostalgic reunion, the WLPT20L is a celebration of enduring skill and competitive spirit. Over the next ten days, the stadium will host a series of high-stakes encounters designed to engage both seasoned cricket followers and a new generation of fans.

Mahesh Bhupathi, CEO of SG Sports and Entertainment, stated that the presence of some of the biggest names in world cricket reflects the scale and ambition of the league. He added that while Goa is widely associated with football, cricket remains the heartbeat of India, and the league aims to build a long-term legacy by hosting the tournament in Goa for the coming decade.

Event Details

Inaugural Match: Delhi Warriors vs Dubai Royals

Date & Time: January 26, 2026 | 7:30 PM

Venue: 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium, Verna, Goa

Tickets: Available on BookMyShow

Telecast: DD Sports, Sony LIV, FanCode, YouTube and Waves


Through the World Legends Pro T20 League, Goa continues to strengthen its position as a destination where sport, tourism and global audiences come together through the universal language of cricket.

Events in Goa

Guided Lok Bhavan Heritage Tour Flagged Off at Dona Paula to Promote Responsible Tourism Experiences

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Dona Paula, January 24, 2026: As part of initiatives to promote curated and responsible visitor experiences, a guided Lok Bhavan Tour was organised by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) and the Department of Tourism, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the heritage, architecture and natural surroundings of the Lok Bhavan premises through a structured walking trail.


The tour was flagged off by the Governor of Goa, Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, along with the First Lady of Goa, Suneela Raju, at Lok Bhavan. The event was attended by Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte; Secretary to the Governor Arjun Mohan, IAS; General Manager, GTDC, Gavin Dias; Deputy General Manager, GTDC, Deepak Narvekar; Comptroller of Governor House A.K. Harsha; Founder of Soul Travelling Varun Hegde; representatives from various hotels and other dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor appreciated the initiative, stating that the guided tour provides visitors with a valuable opportunity to understand and appreciate the heritage, surroundings and values associated with the Lok Bhavan premises.

Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte said that curated initiatives such as the Lok Bhavan Tour help present Goa’s heritage and natural surroundings in a structured and meaningful manner. He added that such experiences encourage responsible engagement with important public spaces while enhancing awareness of Goa’s cultural and ecological assets.

Director of Tourism Kedar Naik stated that guided tours like the Lok Bhavan Tour reflect the growing emphasis on experiential tourism. He noted that these initiatives allow visitors to gain deeper insights into heritage and ecology while promoting responsible tourism practices.

Managing Director of GTDC Kuldeep Arolkar said the tour has been thoughtfully designed to ensure a smooth, informative and dignified visitor experience, adding that GTDC continues to support initiatives that enhance the depth and quality of tourism offerings in the state.

The guests and dignitaries were welcomed with a traditional cultural programme featuring Ghodemodni and dhol tasha, setting a vibrant and ceremonial tone for the occasion.

Designed by Soul Travelling on behalf of GTDC and the Department of Tourism, the curated trail covered key locations within the Lok Bhavan premises, including the chapel and a sea-facing viewpoint, followed by an exterior overview of the main building. The tour also included a stop at the vintage Cadillac car for interaction and photographs, and a visit to the cannon point, where participants were briefed on its historical significance along with panoramic views.

The trail further included visits to the gau shala, a sea-facing viewpoint, the Aushadhi Vatika (medicinal plant nursery) and the bird tower, highlighting the ecological dimensions of the Lok Bhavan premises.

The Lok Bhavan Tour forms part of ongoing efforts by the state to promote well-organised, meaningful and responsible tourism experiences in Goa.

Events in Goa

Goa Food & Cultural Festival 2026 Opens in Margao, Celebrating Goa’s Culinary Heritage and Cultural Diversity

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

Margao, January 23, 2026: The Margao Cricket Club at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Stadium came alive on Thursday evening as the Goa Food & Cultural Festival 2026 commenced, marking the beginning of a three-day celebration dedicated to Goa’s rich culinary heritage and diverse cultural traditions. The festival brings together authentic flavours, traditional art forms and contemporary performances, offering a shared cultural experience for residents and visitors alike.


The festival was inaugurated in the presence of Minister for Tourism Rohan A. Khaunte; Minister for PWD and Captain of Ports Digambar Kamat; Chairman, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) Kedar J. Naik; MLA of Navelim Constituency Ulhas Tuenkar; Chairperson of Margao Municipal Council Damodar Shirodkar; Director of Tourism Kedar Naik; Managing Director, GTDC Kuldeep Arolkar, along with other dignitaries.

The occasion also saw the felicitation of prominent local personalities including Shubham Naik, Nilesh Shirodkar, Harish Deulker, Sudha Kudalkar and Vishwas Chari for their notable contributions to the fields of cuisine, art and culture.

Addressing the gathering, Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte said that this was the second Food and Cultural Festival being organised in Margao and highlighted Goa’s diverse culinary traditions. He noted that from North to South Goa, travellers can experience a wide range of flavours, making the State a unique destination for food lovers.

He further stated that Goa, as a creative capital, could also be regarded as a culinary capital due to the richness of its cuisine. Emphasising the State’s focus on regenerative tourism, he said that all stalls at the festival are operated by Goans, including self-help groups offering home-made products. He added that the festival also provides a platform for local artists to showcase their talent, ensuring inclusivity and community participation.

PWD Minister and Captain of Ports Digambar Kamat observed that tourism continues to play a vital role in Goa’s economic growth and said that festivals such as the Goa Food & Cultural Festival add vibrancy to the State’s tourism calendar and contribute to increased visitor footfall.

GTDC Chairman Kedar J. Naik recalled earlier editions of the festival and stated that it continues to benefit self-help groups and local communities by offering a platform to showcase authentic Goan delicacies while preserving cultural traditions. He also highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for folk dancers and musicians.

MLA Ulhas Tuenkar said that the festival is organised with the objective of strengthening local livelihoods, with the majority of stalls run by Goans and self-help groups, enabling them to earn through their skills while celebrating Goa’s food and culture.

Director of Tourism Kedar Naik described the festival as a celebration of flavours, traditions and the vibrant spirit of Goa, and expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved in making the event a success. He invited residents and visitors to experience the festivities over the coming days.

The opening day featured cultural performances by the Kanta Gaude Troupe, followed by live performances by Anson, Chelsea & Jeliska Trio, Sonia Shirsat with her Band, and LYNX, setting an energetic tone for the festival.

Alongside cultural performances, the festival features a wide range of stalls offering authentic Goan cuisine, traditional delicacies, local crafts and handmade products, providing valuable exposure to local artisans and entrepreneurs.

The Goa Food & Cultural Festival 2026, part of the Department of Tourism’s ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’ initiative, will continue until January 25, 2026, with a diverse line-up of cultural programmes and culinary showcases planned over the next two days.