Tag: goa tourism

TechPulse

Goa Sets Course to Become India’s First Coastal Aerial Mobility State with MoU Signed Between DITE&C, Tourism Department, and Sarla Aviation

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Goa has taken a visionary step toward redefining tourism, technology and next-generation mobility with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, and Sarla Aviation Pvt. Ltd.

The agreement, signed at Paryatan Bhavan, Patto, aims to establish an Advanced Design & Development Center in Goa while setting the foundation for integrating VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) systems into the State’s future tourism and mobility ecosystem.

The ceremony took place in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for IT, Electronics & Communications and Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, alongside key officials including Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar (Director, DITE&C), Shri Kedar Naik (Director, DOT), Dr. Milind Sakhardande (Joint Director, DITE&C), Shri Shawn Mendes (OSD, Tourism), Shri Neville Noronha (OSD, IT), Shri D.S. Prashant (CEO, SITPC) and Mr. Adrian Schmidt (Co-Founder & CEO, Sarla Aviation).

Goa’s Vision for Next-Gen Mobility

Minister Khaunte highlighted the transformative potential of the collaboration, stating that VTOL technology and aerospace design will unlock new opportunities for innovation, tourism enhancement and high-value employment for Goan youth.
He noted, “Our focus is to ensure that every new technology introduced in Goa strengthens the State’s economy and benefits our people first.”

Sarla Aviation’s Long-Term Base in Goa

Sarla Aviation, backed by prominent investors including Accel, Nikhil Kamath, Binny Bansal and Sriharsha Majety, will establish a dedicated centre focusing on:

  • Advanced aerospace design
  • System engineering
  • Prototype development
  • Testing and R&D

The company is developing a six-seater electric VTOL aircraft designed to reduce congestion by introducing clean and efficient aerial mobility.

Roadmap for VTOL-Based Aerial Tourism and Transport

The MoU outlines a comprehensive action plan that includes:

  • Collaboration with hotel and hospitality partners for premium aerial tourism routes
  • Development of a Goa-specific UAM (Urban Air Mobility) Policy
  • Exploring airport-to-resort aerial connectivity
  • Identifying and supporting a local VTOL service operator

These initiatives aim to make Goa the first Coastal Aerial Mobility State in India, combining innovation with sustainable tourism.

Voices from the Collaboration

Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar (Director, DITE&C) emphasised that the partnership aligns with Goa’s long-term technology vision, enabling the State to become a platform for designing and scaling next-generation mobility solutions.

Shri Kedar Naik (Director, Tourism) highlighted the potential for VTOL services to redefine connectivity across beaches, hinterland and resorts, promoting eco-conscious travel and elevating the tourist experience.

Sarla Aviation’s CEO, Mr. Adrian Schmidt, expressed gratitude to the Government of Goa, noting the potential to bring Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to Goans as early as 2029 and build a talent-rich satellite studio in the State.

A Unified Vision for Goa’s Future

The collaboration strengthens Goa’s commitment to innovation, advanced technology and future-ready tourism. It also opens pathways for high-value skilling, aerospace design careers and cutting-edge mobility solutions for residents and visitors alike.

Human Interest

Anjuna Police Officers Recover Lost Samsung S24 Ultra of South African Tourist at Vagator Beach

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In yet another commendable display of dedication and professionalism, PC Abhishek Kasar and PC Shamba of the Anjuna Police Station successfully recovered a missing mobile phone belonging to a foreign national from South Africa.

The tourist had reported his Samsung S24 Ultra missing while visiting Vagator Beach. Responding promptly, the two officers initiated focused efforts to trace the device. Their swift coordination, persistent follow-up, and effective teamwork led to the successful recovery of the phone.

The missing device was later handed over to the rightful owner at the Anjuna Police Station. Grateful for the timely assistance, the tourist expressed deep appreciation for the sincerity, commitment, and supportive approach of the officers, praising Goa Police for their efficient handling of the situation.

This incident once again highlights the ongoing efforts of the Anjuna Police Station in ensuring the safety and security of visitors and locals. Their proactive approach reinforces the trust that tourists continue to place in Goa as a safe and welcoming destination.

Human Interest

Drishti Marine’s ‘Sagar Safar’ Relaunched to Boost Ocean Confidence and Strengthen Public Safety

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Panaji, 2025 : Drishti Marine, Goa’s state-appointed lifesaving and rescue agency, has relaunched its community-oriented guided sea-swimming initiative, Sagar Safar, with the aim of familiarising beachgoers with the ocean, helping them overcome fear of open water, and significantly reducing drowning incidents along the state’s coastline.

The programme—conducted daily at 11 am and 4 pm—is currently offered at six major beaches: Baga, Calangute, Sinquerim and Candolim in North Goa, and Benaulim and Colva in South Goa.

Each session, lasting approximately one hour, is supervised by trained lifesavers who guide participants through controlled sea-swimming experiences using buoyancy aids and life jackets. The sessions also include a safety briefing, live demonstrations on recognising rip currents, and an explanation of beach flag systems, ensuring every participant gains practical understanding of essential sea-safety protocols.

Accessible Guidance Through Multiple Touchpoints

Participants can register directly with lifesavers stationed at each beach.
To increase awareness, Drishti Marine has integrated technology-driven communication:

  • Real-time announcements via the Aurus AI mobile bot
  • QR codes at lifeguard towers and rescue vehicles linking to the Sagar Safar website
    These tools help ensure that visitors receive timely updates on session timings and safety advice.

Expanded After Success of ‘Swim With Lifesavers’

Originally launched in 2021 as Swim With Lifesavers, the initiative returns in a more comprehensive format following strong public demand. Past participants—especially first-time swimmers and travellers from inland regions—reported feeling safer, more confident and more informed about sea behaviour after attending the programme.

A Mission to Build Respect, Awareness and Safety

Navin Awasthi, CEO of Drishti Marine, emphasised that Sagar Safar is more than just a guided swimming experience—it’s a life-saving educational effort.

“The idea is to help people appreciate the ocean while respecting its power. Our lifesavers guide participants through safe techniques, explain flag colours and demonstrate how to identify rip currents. The goal is simple — awareness and confidence,” said Awasthi.

The programme also fosters deeper respect for the lifesavers who protect Goa’s coastline daily and enhances ocean literacy among both residents and tourists.

Year-Round Programme (Except Monsoon)

Sagar Safar sessions will continue all year round, pausing only during the monsoon months when swimming is restricted due to rough seas.

With the relaunch, Drishti Marine aims to encourage safer beach culture and empower swimmers with the skills and confidence needed to enjoy Goa’s waters responsibly.

Travel

Direct Flights from Uzbekistan Resume, Boosting Goa’s Global Connectivity

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Goa’s international tourism landscape received a significant boost with the resumption of direct flights from Uzbekistan. On December 3, an A-320 aircraft arrived at Manohar International Airport, Mopa from Tashkent with 121 passengers, symbolizing renewed connectivity and the strengthening of ties between the two destinations.

This development reinforces Goa’s appeal as a preferred global travel hotspot and enhances convenience for visitors from Central Asia. Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, highlighted that the restored route amplifies Goa’s international connectivity and contributes to the state’s ongoing efforts to expand into new global markets. He emphasized that such initiatives pave the way for seamless travel and deeper engagement between regions. Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, stated that the renewed connection reflects the trust that global partners continue to place in Goa’s tourism potential.

According to him, it improves outreach efforts and offers visitors from Uzbekistan easier access to Goa’s culture, festivals, and diverse experiences. With the reinstated service, Goa strengthens its focus on cultural exchange, leisure travel, and future collaborations. This milestone aligns with the state’s larger vision of broadening its international footprint through sustained partnerships and targeted global promotions.

The return of direct flights marks a promising chapter in Goa’s evolving tourism growth story, enhancing accessibility while inviting more international travelers to discover the state’s unique charm.

Business

Ministry of Tourism & Mastercard Sign MoU to Elevate India as a Global Tourism Hotspot

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The Ministry of Tourism (MoT), Government of India, has joined hands with Mastercard in a strategic two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening India’s global positioning as a premier tourism destination. This wide-ranging collaboration focuses on showcasing India’s diverse cultural, spiritual, natural, and culinary heritage to domestic and international travelers through Mastercard’s global marketing platforms — most notably its iconic Priceless™ program.

As part of the initiative, curated experiences will be brought to priceless.com, beginning with Goa, followed by exceptional cultural and spiritual journeys in Varanasi and rural Andhra Pradesh. Many more destinations are expected to be added, providing travellers with access to immersive, authentic, and rare experiences.

Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Honourable Minister of Tourism, emphasized India’s vast tourism potential, reaffirming the government’s mission to present India’s stories in innovative ways. He highlighted the role of corporate partnerships in amplifying India’s global outreach.

Mastercard brings its global marketing expertise, secure digital payment network, and multi-market influence to the collaboration. Through Priceless™, the company aims to spotlight India’s diverse heritage while also supporting the development of safe and seamless digital payment practices across the tourism ecosystem.

Raja Rajamannar, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Mastercard, said the initiative intends to bring India’s remarkable stories “closer to travellers everywhere,” while ensuring unforgettable and authentic experiences.

Gautam Aggarwal, President, India & South Asia, Mastercard, added that strengthening digital payments—especially in remote regions—would boost the tourism value chain and drive economic participation across local communities.

Under the MoU, Mastercard will operate as the Knowledge Partner, while the Ministry of Tourism will identify strategic travel corridors and support collaborations with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Ministry of Culture, and State Tourism Boards.

Beyond tourist engagement, the 24-month MoU will focus on:

  • Encouraging secure and responsible digital payment practices
  • Expanding seamless payment acceptance nationwide
  • Supporting the introduction of innovative, co-branded tourism-linked payment products

The partnership signals a significant step in India’s efforts to build world-class travel experiences while strengthening economic opportunities across the tourism sector.