Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte informed the Goa Legislative Assembly that the government provides a consolidated grant to Carnaval committees, following which the committees independently decide how prize money for floats is allocated. He made the statement during the ongoing Winter Session of the Assembly in Porvorim on January 15, 2026.
Clarifying the government’s role, Khaunte stated that Carnaval floats are divided into various categories and that the distribution of prize money within these categories is determined solely by the respective Carnaval committees. He emphasised that there is no direct government intervention in deciding the prize amounts awarded to individual floats.
The issue was raised during a Calling Attention motion by Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral and Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa, who urged the government to consider increasing the prize money awarded to Carnaval floats in view of rising costs and efforts involved in float preparation.
Responding to the concerns, the Tourism Minister said that the matter has financial implications and will be discussed with Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant. He added that a decision on whether to increase the grants will be taken after these discussions. Khaunte also noted that the grant amount provided to Carnaval committees has seen an increase over the years, reflecting the government’s continued support for the state’s cultural celebrations.
Transforming Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg into a vibrant, people-centric public space, the seventh edition of NoMoZo (No-Motor Zone) was held in Porvorim on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The annual initiative once again demonstrated how reduced vehicular movement, community participation and innovation can reimagine urban living in a more sustainable and inclusive way.
Organised under the leadership of Shri Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Tourism, Printing & Stationery and MLA of Porvorim, NoMoZo 7.0 brought together citizens, startups, students and institutions on a common platform. GTDC Chairman and MLA Saligao Shri Kedar J. Naik was also present at the event. Renowned actor Shri Manoj Bajpayee attended as the Chief Guest, adding further prominence to the occasion.
A key highlight of NoMoZo 7.0 was the strong focus on sustainability and responsible innovation. The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, set up an engaging stall that showcased the State’s vision for Regenerative Tourism. Through informative displays, the stall highlighted responsible travel practices aimed at creating positive social, cultural and environmental impacts while encouraging deeper engagement with Goa’s communities, heritage and natural ecosystems.
The Tourism Department’s presence also highlighted major cultural initiatives, including Carnaval and other new tourism offerings, along with a preview of the upcoming Shigmo festival—one of Goa’s most vibrant and deeply rooted cultural celebrations. This integrated approach reflected Goa Tourism’s commitment to sustainability, culture and community participation, positioning the State as a year-round, experience-driven destination.
Adding a cultural dimension to the event, a dedicated heritage zone showcased the work of local artisans, including traditional Goan earthen pots, offering visitors a glimpse into Goa’s living craft traditions and indigenous skills.
Innovation and entrepreneurship were at the heart of NoMoZo 7.0. The Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC) under the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C) curated a dedicated space for startups and student entrepreneurs to showcase cutting-edge solutions and emerging ideas.
Students participating under the Campus Innovation Scheme presented projects addressing real-world challenges through technology and sustainability. Don Bosco College of Engineering students showcased ‘Synapse-Connect: A Neuro-Muscular Signal Integration Framework’, focused on advanced human–machine interaction, and a sustainability-driven project on processing and testing recyclable materials for 3D printing applications.
From Agnel Institute of Technology and Design, the ‘Innovator’s Squad’ presented a smart jacket designed to assist visually impaired individuals with obstacle detection and navigation, while another team showcased AI Aaji, a voice assistant aimed at providing real-time updates and user support.
Several startups added further depth to the showcase. Sevaco presented a mobile application connecting busy individuals with verified students for everyday tasks. Burraa highlighted its Go-Out app that helps users discover and book curated experiences. Asier Solutions showcased STEM skill-building courses, while DigiWiz demonstrated its work in robotics, drone kits, IoT hardware and home automation.
NoMoZo 7.0 successfully highlighted how innovation, technology and entrepreneurship are driving Goa’s growth. The diverse exhibits and strong community participation reinforced the State’s emergence as a hub for sustainable, technology-driven and socially responsible solutions—demonstrating that when people reclaim public spaces, meaningful change follows.
Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk
Goa continues to consolidate its position as one of India’s most preferred tourism destinations, with provisional figures for 2025 reflecting strong and sustained growth across both domestic and international tourist segments. The data points to a steady post-pandemic recovery, driven by improved air connectivity, revival of charter operations, cruise tourism, and a growing focus on quality and regenerative tourism.
In 2025, the State recorded over 1.08 crore tourist arrivals, with domestic tourism forming the backbone of this growth while international arrivals showed a gradual and consistent revival. The operationalisation of Manohar International Airport at Mopa alongside Dabolim Airport has significantly enhanced Goa’s global connectivity, resulting in increased international scheduled flights and a balanced distribution of air traffic.
Charter tourism, traditionally a strong contributor to Goa’s inbound segment, has continued its gradual recovery, while cruise tourism has further complemented the State’s tourism profile by attracting both foreign and domestic passengers. Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte stated that the year-wise data reflects the resilience of Goa’s tourism sector and the effectiveness of sustained efforts towards structured and balanced growth, with a clear emphasis on quality tourism that delivers long-term benefits to local communities, the environment, and the economy.
Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik also highlighted that coordinated efforts in infrastructure development, destination management, and market outreach have played a key role in strengthening Goa’s tourism ecosystem.
As the Department of Tourism continues to diversify source markets, improve visitor services, and promote regenerative tourism practices, Goa remains focused on ensuring that tourism growth is inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with the State’s long-term vision of preserving its natural and cultural heritage while enhancing visitor experiences.
Goa marked the Feast of the Three Kings with deep devotion and vibrant cultural expression across the picturesque villages of Cansaulim, Chandor, and Reis Magos, bringing together local communities and visitors in a shared observance of faith, tradition, and heritage. The annual celebration, closely associated with the Christian feast of Epiphany, continues to hold a special place in Goa’s cultural and spiritual calendar.
The Goa Tourism Development Corporation team led by Chairman, GTDC, Shri Kedar J. Naik, along with Managing Director Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, General Manager Shri Gavin Dias, Deputy General Manager Shri Deepak Narvekar, and other officials actively participated in the celebrations at Reis Magos. Solemn masses and processions held at local churches formed the spiritual core of the festivities, fostering a strong sense of devotion and communal unity.
Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, highlighted the importance of such celebrations in preserving Goa’s identity, noting that cultural and spiritual festivals form an integral part of the State’s tourism landscape. He observed that these events reflect Goa’s deep-rooted faith, harmony, and community participation, while offering visitors an opportunity to experience authentic local traditions.
Chairman, GTDC, Shri Kedar J. Naik, emphasised the role of community-based festivals in presenting Goa’s cultural identity, stating that such celebrations help connect visitors with local traditions while ensuring that cultural practices continue to thrive within their natural community settings.
A key highlight of the celebration was the evocative reenactment of the journey of the Magi, with three young men symbolically portraying the Wise Men as they carried traditional offerings through village streets. Traditional music, colourful processions, and community-led events added vibrancy and emotional depth to the festivities, drawing participation from all age groups.
The outreach of the celebration was further strengthened through a focused promotional campaign using digital platforms and influencer collaborations, enabling the cultural significance of the Three Kings Feast to reach audiences beyond the State. Goa Tourism also set up an information canopy at the church premises, where visitors were provided details on tourism services and offered refreshments and mementoes, enhancing their overall experience.
The Feast of the Three Kings 2026 once again underscored Goa’s rich spiritual traditions and strong community bonds, reinforcing its identity as a destination where faith, culture, and tradition continue to be celebrated in a meaningful and inclusive manner.
Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk
Goa witnessed a significant boost in international tourist arrivals with the arrival of multiple charter flights from key global markets, reinforcing the state’s growing air connectivity during the peak holiday season. On 30 December 2025, a Nordwind Airlines charter flight from Moscow landed in Goa with 360 passengers, followed by another Nordwind charter from Yekaterinburg on 31 December carrying 373 passengers. Adding to this momentum, Fly Arystan operated a charter flight from Astana on 30 December, bringing 176 passengers from the Central Asian region.
Welcoming the arrivals, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, highlighted that the steady inflow of charter flights from Russia and Central Asia reflects increasing international confidence in Goa as a preferred holiday destination. He emphasised that strengthening air connectivity remains central to the state’s vision of promoting quality tourism while ensuring seamless and enriching visitor experiences.
Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, noted that charter operations play a vital role in sustaining international arrivals and diversifying source markets. He stated that the Department of Tourism continues to work closely with airlines, airport authorities, and tourism stakeholders to facilitate smooth operations and expand Goa’s reach across both established and emerging global markets.
Through focused and strategic tourism initiatives, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, remains committed to enhancing international connectivity, broadening its tourist base, and positioning Goa as a year-round global destination.
