Tag: goatourism

Automobiles

CM Pramod Sawant Reviews F4 Indian Championship Preparations at Mopa Airport Circuit

allycaralgoa

Goa is gearing up for a high-speed sporting spectacle as Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant visited the F4 Indian Championship racing site at Manohar International Airport, Mopa, to review preparations and operational readiness ahead of the much-anticipated event scheduled for February 14–15, 2026.

During the visit, the Chief Minister inspected the circuit infrastructure along with government officials and organisers, Racing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL). The review focused on safety measures, logistics, spectator arrangements, and the overall readiness of the venue to host a world-class motorsports event.

Speaking during the inspection, Dr Sawant highlighted that hosting the F4 Indian Championship marks a significant milestone for Goa, positioning the state on the global motorsports map. He emphasised that such international-level events contribute to strengthening Goa’s identity beyond tourism, encouraging sports development and creating new opportunities for local talent.

The Chief Minister also noted that the championship is expected to provide a strong boost to tourism, attract motorsports enthusiasts from across the country, and generate employment opportunities for local communities. With Manohar International Airport serving as a unique racing venue, the event reflects Goa’s growing ambition to diversify its event calendar and promote new forms of sports tourism.

As final preparations continue, excitement is building among motorsport fans, with the F4 Indian Championship promising thrilling races, cutting-edge racing technology, and a dynamic atmosphere for spectators.

Travel

Goa Welcomes First Charter Flight from Katowice, Poland for the Season

allycaralgoa

Panjim, 9th January 2026 – Goa celebrated a key moment in its international tourism calendar with the arrival of charter flight ENT 1443 from Katowice, Poland, landing at Manohar International Airport (MOPA) at 09:30 hrs on Friday, 9 January 2026.

The flight, carrying 189 passengers, is the first charter arrival from Katowice for the current tourist season and the second charter flight from Poland to the state this year. Passengers received a warm Goan welcome, reflecting the state’s commitment to hospitality and visitor experience.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, expressed optimism about the arrival:
“The first charter flight from Katowice is a positive development for Goa’s international tourism sector. Poland remains an important source market for us, and charter operations like this strengthen our efforts to diversify markets and promote quality tourism. We are committed to improving connectivity, ensuring seamless travel experiences, and positioning Goa as a responsible, year-round global destination.”

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added:
“Charter arrivals such as these are vital in sustaining international tourist inflow and supporting local stakeholders. The growing interest from Polish travellers underscores Goa’s appeal beyond beaches, encompassing culture, wellness, hinterland experiences, and nature-based tourism. We will continue collaborating with airlines and tour operators to enhance international connectivity.”

The charter operations from Poland highlight Goa’s increasing popularity among European tourists and reinforce the state’s ongoing efforts to expand air connectivity with key markets. The Department of Tourism continues to work closely with stakeholders to promote year-round tourism, ensuring visitors experience Goa’s diverse offerings, including its coastline, wellness, culture, cuisine, and hinterland adventures.

With the arrival of this charter, Goa strengthens its presence in the European travel market and sets a positive tone for the current tourist season.

Events in Goa

Grand Parade Marks Historic, Carnival-Style Opening of 56th IFFI in Panaji

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Panaji witnessed a historic and spectacular opening to the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2025) as the festival kicked off with its first-ever grand parade on 20 November. In a departure from tradition, IFFI embraced an open, carnival-style inauguration that brought cinema directly to the people.

The parade completely transformed DB Road into a dazzling cultural stretch, as floats from film production houses, state pavilions, animation studios, and performing troupes moved from the Old Goa Medical College building to the Kala Academy. Over two dozen floats participated, including 12 presented by the Goa government, each portraying vibrant themes inspired by India’s cinematic heritage, regional arts, and animation.

One of the most striking segments of the parade was the large-scale folk production “Bharat Ek Soor”, staged by the Central Bureau of Communication under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. Featuring more than 100 artists, the performance showcased traditional dance forms from across the country, creating an energetic and culturally rich spectacle.

The appearance of beloved animated characters—including Chhota Bheem, Motu Patlu, and Bittu Bahanebaaz—added a playful and heartwarming element to the parade, drawing cheers from children and adults alike.

The atmosphere throughout Panaji was festive and immersive, reflecting Goa’s iconic carnival spirit. Thousands of locals, tourists, students, and delegates lined the streets to witness the vibrant floats, live music, dance performances, and cultural showcases. What had traditionally been a closed-door opening ceremony became a public celebration, allowing the community to be at the heart of the festival’s excitement.

The grand parade not only set a joyful and inclusive tone for the nine-day film festival but also marked a significant step towards making IFFI more accessible and engaging for all.

Events in Goa

No IFFI Inaugural at Shyama Prasad Stadium This Year; Parade to Open the 56th Edition

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will open with a new approach this year. Instead of the customary inaugural ceremony at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, the festival will begin with a vibrant IFFI Parade that will celebrate Goa’s culture and cinematic spirit. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant will flag off the parade, which will feature colourful floats inspired by Goa’s carnival and Shigmo traditions.

Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) Chairperson Delilah Lobo confirmed that the change was necessary as the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium is booked for the FIDE World Cup during the same period. However, the festival’s official dates remain unchanged, ensuring that IFFI’s schedule continues as planned.

The IFFI Parade will serve as the festival’s new inaugural event, offering a public celebration that merges film, art, and Goan culture. Designed as a street-level spectacle, it will invite participation from locals and visitors alike, capturing the festive atmosphere that defines Goa.

Organised by the ESG in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, IFFI remains India’s most prominent international film festival, bringing together filmmakers, actors, and cinema enthusiasts from around the world. The decision to replace the stadium opening with a parade reflects an inclusive vision — one that extends the festival’s reach beyond formal venues and into the community.

As Goa prepares to welcome delegates and film lovers for IFFI 56, the parade promises to set a celebratory tone for the festival, transforming its opening into a showcase of both local culture and global cinema.

Business

Goa and Madhya Pradesh Explore Collaborative Opportunities to Boost Heritage and Cultural Tourism

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, recently engaged in a significant meeting with senior officials from the Government of Madhya Pradesh to explore collaborative opportunities in tourism, focusing on heritage, wildlife, and cultural experiences. The discussions centered on creating synergy between the two States to promote two-way tourism, encouraging visitors from Madhya Pradesh to explore Goa’s diverse tourism offerings and facilitating travel from Goa to Madhya Pradesh to experience its rich heritage and wildlife destinations.

The meeting saw participation from key tourism officials including Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Shri Gavin Dias, General Manager (Hotels & Marketing), GTDC, and Shri Jack Sukhija, President of TTAG, alongside Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, IAS, Principal Secretary, Culture, Tourism & Public Relations, Government of Madhya Pradesh.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating that it strengthens efforts to promote tourism beyond beaches, offering travellers deeper access to heritage and cultural narratives. He noted that Goa and Madhya Pradesh share complementary tourism profiles that can benefit both regions through collaborative circuits, knowledge sharing, and enhanced visitor experiences, aiming for tourism that is meaningful, responsible, and driven by community participation.

Shri Kedar Naik highlighted that the exchange of ideas with Madhya Pradesh opened avenues for joint product development in heritage and cultural tourism. The States are exploring curated experiences that encourage visitors to immerse themselves in the cultural richness of both regions. Madhya Pradesh has extended an invitation to the Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, along with tourism trade stakeholders, to visit the State in the coming quarter for further discussions and planning.

In return, Goa is preparing to host tourism trade representatives from Madhya Pradesh to strengthen heritage and cultural tourism initiatives. Both Governments are focused on improving visitor experiences, expanding tourism circuits, and fostering cultural appreciation. The collaboration is expected to generate mutually beneficial tourism growth, promote sustainable practices, and support local communities while enhancing domestic travel networks.

This partnership reflects a shared vision to celebrate cultural roots, develop meaningful tourism products, and create travel experiences that connect people with the heritage, wildlife, and culture of Goa and Madhya Pradesh alike.