Tag: goa tourism

Human Interest

GTDC Launches Calendar and Diary 2026, Showcasing Goa’s Tourism, Heritage and Experiences

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Panaji; December 30, 2025: The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) launched its Calendar and Diary for the year 2026 at a function held at Paryatan Bhavan, marking a renewed effort to visually showcase Goa’s rich tourism landscape, heritage, and experiences.

The Calendar and Diary were unveiled by Hon’ble Chairman, GTDC, Shri Kedar J. Naik, in the presence of General Manager (Marketing), GTDC, Shri Gavin Dias, and Deputy General Manager (Marketing), GTDC, Shri Deepak Narvekar. The event was attended by Deputy General Manager (Administration) Shri Sandeep Gawas, Deputy General Manager (Finance) Shri Kundan Naik, Senior Managers Shri Vishesh Naik, Shri Pravin Phaldesai, and Shri Prasad Kavlekar, along with other officials of GTDC. The programme was compered by Shri Deepak Narvekar.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Kedar J. Naik said that the New Year symbolises new hopes and resolutions, and calendars and diaries continue to remain relevant in everyday life. He noted that GTDC has revived the Calendar and Diary after a gap of ten years, with the objective of taking them house to house, promoting Goa’s hinterlands and lesser-known tourism destinations beyond established circuits. He encouraged the GTDC team to continue working with dedication to strengthen tourism outreach and promotion.

Managing Director, GTDC, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, stated that the Calendar and Diary serve as effective tools to promote Goa’s tourism experiences while reinforcing GTDC’s branding initiatives, with a clear focus on the State’s diverse offerings.

General Manager, GTDC, Shri Gavin Dias, highlighted that the Calendar and Diary are designed to promote Goa’s hinterlands, introduce new tourism services, and act as meaningful takeaways for visitors. He added that branding and marketing continue to remain key focus areas for the Corporation.

The GTDC Calendar and Diary 2026 aim to build brand GTDC and reinforce its role in promoting Goa as a premier tourism destination, with emphasis on GTDC hotels, events, new tourism services, local traditions, and sustainability, aligning strongly with the “Goa Beyond Beaches” initiative.

Social

Goa Tourism Department Acts Swiftly to Restore Cleanliness at North Goa Beaches

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, acted promptly upon receiving reports of garbage accumulation along a stretch of beach in North Goa, ensuring immediate clearance of the affected area and restoration of cleanliness. The swift response reflects the Department’s zero-tolerance stance on littering and its continued commitment to maintaining Goa’s beaches as clean, safe, and welcoming spaces for both visitors and local communities.

Upon identification of the issue, ground teams were mobilised without delay, working in coordination with the concerned agencies to thoroughly clean the area. The Department also reinforced instructions with relevant stakeholders to ensure strict adherence to waste management protocols and sustained cleanliness across beach stretches.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, reiterated the government’s focus on responsible tourism, stating that clean beaches are integral to Goa’s identity as a world-class tourism destination and that any lapse is addressed with urgency. He emphasised that continuous collaboration with stakeholders remains key to preserving the coastline in an environmentally responsible manner.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik echoed these views, highlighting that the Department remains vigilant in monitoring beach cleanliness. He stressed that proactive action, cooperation from stakeholders, and consistent awareness efforts are essential to maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and environmental care along Goa’s beaches.

Appreciating the timely intervention, Shri Cruz Cardozo, President of the Shack Owners’ Welfare Society, Goa, expressed gratitude to the Department for its swift and effective response. He noted that such prompt action not only restores the natural beauty of Goa’s beaches but also strengthens the confidence of shack operators and local stakeholders in the Department’s leadership and management.

The Department of Tourism has once again appealed to shack operators, vendors, and visitors to responsibly manage waste and actively support cleanliness initiatives. Regular monitoring and enforcement measures will continue as part of Goa’s broader commitment to sustainable and regenerative tourism.

Events in Goa

Raponkarancho Sea Food Festival 2025 Opens at Arambol, Celebrating Goa’s Coastal Heritage

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Arambol came alive with aromas of fresh seafood, lively music, and vibrant coastal traditions as Day 1 of the Raponkarancho Sea Food Festival 2025 unfolded, setting a festive tone for the days ahead. The festival offered a heartfelt tribute to Goa’s maritime heritage, blending culinary excellence with cultural expression and community participation.

The festival was formally inaugurated in the presence of Hon’ble MLA Shri Jit Arolkar and Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik, along with Shri Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager (Marketing), GTDC, and other dignitaries and community representatives. Their presence marked the beginning of a celebration deeply rooted in Goa’s coastal identity and fishing traditions.

Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte emphasised the importance of such festivals in preserving traditional livelihoods and cultural practices. He noted that the Raponkarancho Sea Food Festival plays a crucial role in safeguarding Goa’s fishing heritage and culinary legacy, while also strengthening community-led tourism that reflects the state’s authentic character.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the festival serves as a platform to bring fishing communities, local cuisine, and cultural traditions together. He underlined that initiatives like these promote experiential tourism while ensuring that local communities remain central to tourism development in Goa.

Visitors were treated to a diverse spread of traditional seafood preparations, thoughtfully curated by local fishermen and culinary experts. Each dish reflected the flavours of coastal Goa, offering an authentic gastronomic experience rooted in age-old recipes and fresh local produce.

Adding to the festive ambience were live cultural performances that showcased Goa’s rich artistic traditions, creating an immersive experience for both locals and tourists. Music, dance, and community interaction transformed the venue into a lively celebration of coastal life.

The Raponkarancho Sea Food Festival 2025 stands as a vibrant celebration of Goa’s coastal traditions, community spirit, and culinary richness. As the festival continues over the coming days, it promises more flavours, performances, and experiences that reinforce Goa’s vision of sustainable and community-driven tourism.

Travel

Almaty Charter Service Begins with First Seasonal Flight Arrival at Mopa Airport

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Panaji, December 26, 2025: Continuing the steady inflow of international tourists this season, the first seasonal charter flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan, arrived at Manohar International Airport (MOPA) on December 26, 2025, at 10:25 a.m. The flight, operated by Fly Arystan, carried 174 passengers, further strengthening Goa’s international tourism footprint.

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, extended a warm and traditional welcome to the arriving passengers with rose buds and a lively brass band performance outside the arrival terminal, offering visitors a glimpse of Goa’s renowned hospitality and vibrant culture.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan Ashok Khaunte, highlighted the importance of expanding global air connectivity, stating that engaging new international source markets and encouraging seasonal charter operations are vital for Goa’s planned and sustainable tourism growth. He noted that the commencement of charter services from Almaty reflects increasing global confidence in Goa as a preferred travel destination.

Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Kedar Naik, added that the arrival of the first Almaty charter flight marks a valuable addition to the season’s international charter operations, helping maintain consistent tourist inflows throughout the peak travel period.

The seasonal charter service from Almaty is expected to further boost international arrivals and support balanced tourism development across Goa during the ongoing tourist season.

Travel

Department of Tourism Signs MoU with Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya to Boost Wellness Tourism in Goa

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Panaji, December 26, 2025: In a significant move to strengthen wellness tourism in the state, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya and Research Centre (GAMRC), Shiroda–Goa, at Paryatan Bhavan, Patto.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Ashok Naik (GCS), Principal of GAMRC Dr. Neelesh Pramod Korde, Dr Sneha Bhagwat, President of the Goa Council of Ayurvedic and Allied Indian Systems of Medicine, Dr Minal Joshi, Deputy Director (AYUSH), DHS Goa, Dr Dharmendra Desai, Vice President, and Dr Joy Periera, Officiating Registrar.

Under the agreement, the Department of Tourism and GAMRC will collaborate to promote Ayurveda- and Yoga-based wellness tourism through customised wellness packages, coordinated digital marketing initiatives, and participation in national and international tourism forums. The partnership also includes the development of wellness infrastructure such as Ayurveda and Yoga centres at tourism properties, AYUSH information cells, promotional materials, and structured capacity-building programmes through training, research, and knowledge exchange.

Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan Ashok Khaunte said that wellness tourism is a key pillar of Goa’s evolving tourism narrative. He added that the collaboration brings together traditional knowledge systems with organised tourism development, enabling Goa to offer authentic, high-quality wellness experiences while creating sustainable value for local institutions and communities.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Ashok Naik stated that the MoU provides a structured framework for coordinated efforts in promotion, training, and knowledge exchange, aligned with the state’s tourism objectives.

The partnership is expected to further position Goa as a holistic wellness destination by integrating traditional Indian systems of medicine with modern tourism offerings, enhancing visitor experiences while supporting knowledge-driven and community-based tourism development.