Tag: GTDC

Events in Goa

Goa Celebrates the Feast of Three Kings with Faith, Culture, and Community Spirit

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

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.

#faith

GTDC to Host World-Famous Dance Drama ‘RAM’ on 29th & 30th November in Goa

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In a landmark cultural initiative, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has announced that Goa will host the world-famous dance drama RAM, one of India’s most celebrated and iconic stage productions. The performances will be held on 29th November at Ravindra Bhavan, Baina Vasco, and on 30th November 2025 at Kala Academy, Panjim.

GTDC Chairman Shri Kedar J. Naik expressed pride in bringing the revered production to Goa, stating, “Goa is privileged to host RAM, a production that has touched countless lives across generations. Our focus is to bring distinguished cultural experiences to our people and enrich our artistic and social fabric.”

GTDC Managing Director Shri Kuldeep Arolkar added, “Hosting a production of this scale reaffirms our commitment to promoting diverse and meaningful cultural engagements. Goa Tourism is proud to support initiatives that celebrate India’s cultural legacy.”

The production, staged by Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra—one of India’s premier cultural institutions—has been witnessed by millions worldwide and is admired for its powerful storytelling, refined choreography, and artistic excellence. RAM stands as one of the most iconic interpretations of India’s historic epic tradition.

This initiative aligns with Goa’s ongoing commitment to elevating its cultural landscape. Under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Goa continues to promote meaningful artistic exchanges and world-class cultural experiences.

Adding to this culturally significant moment, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Goa on 28th November to unveil a magnificent 77-foot statue of Lord Ram at the Shree Samsthan Gokarna Partagali Jeevottam Mutt, Canacona. GTDC’s staging of RAM complements this landmark event, reinforcing Goa’s readiness to showcase its cultural depth and hospitality.

The event is supported by Ravindra Bhavan Vasco and Kala Academy Panaji, both of which have extended their venues for the performances, ensuring accessibility for audiences across Goa.

Entry will be provided through entry bands on a first-come, first-served basis, making the event open and accessible to all.

GTDC and the Department of Tourism invite the people of Goa to witness RAM, a timeless cultural masterpiece that celebrates India’s heritage through breathtaking artistry.

For more information, contact: 9823679702 & 7972922490

Travel

Goa Tourism Concludes Successful Bahrain Roadshow, Showcasing New Experiences and Stronger GCC Partnerships

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Goa Tourism marked another milestone in its international outreach by successfully concluding its Bahrain Roadshow, which saw an enthusiastic response from travel trade professionals, media representatives, airline partners, and members of the Goan diaspora. The evening was graced by His Excellency Mr. Vinod K. Jacob, Ambassador of India to Bahrain, and key leaders from Goa Tourism including Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism; Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism; Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director of GTDC; and Mr. Harish Satlekar, Marketing Manager at GTDC. Together they presented the refreshed tourism positioning of the state, introducing contemporary themes such as Nocto Tourism, Jet-Setting, and CalmCation, brought to life through the newly launched Feels Like Goa campaign that focuses on authenticity, emotion, and the distinctive spirit of Goa.

Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte expressed that Bahrain continues to be a strategic and promising market for Goa, with the impressive turnout reflecting strong trust and interest in the destination. He emphasized that the new tourism themes aim to resonate with today’s travellers by offering curated experiences that go beyond traditional tourism. The event was further elevated by the presence of notable dignitaries from Bahrain’s travel sector, including Ms. Fatima Ahmed, President of ABTTA; Mr. Hussain Zaman, Country Manager for Gulf Air, the only airline offering direct flights between Goa and Bahrain; and Mr. Noel Fernandes, President of the Young Goans Club. Their participation highlighted the significance of the event for bilateral tourism collaboration.

The audience was treated to captivating Goan folk dance performances, including the iconic dekhni and corridinho, which brought the vibrant cultural heritage of Goa to life. Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, reiterated the immense potential of the Bahrain market and shared that the Feels Like Goa narrative places culture, cuisine, heritage, and immersive experiences at the forefront. Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director of GTDC, highlighted the ongoing upgrades to hospitality infrastructure and the enhancements in residencies and transport services, ensuring improved comfort and reliability for visitors from Bahrain.

One of the major highlights of the evening was the Destination Presentation, featuring specially curated films showcasing Goa’s diverse tourism landscape—from beaches and heritage sites to festive traditions, hinterland attractions, and new experiential initiatives. The program concluded with a lively networking dinner, where trade partners, media, airline representatives, and members of the diaspora engaged with Goa Tourism officials to explore collaborative opportunities and future possibilities for expanding connectivity and tourism offerings.

The Bahrain Roadshow forms a crucial part of Goa Tourism’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the GCC region. With consistent trade engagement, improved air connectivity, and a renewed focus on diversified experiences, Goa continues to position itself as a dynamic, year-round destination for travellers seeking authenticity, culture, and memorable experiences.

Travel

Tourism Department and GTDC Launch Development & Beautification of Harvalem Waterfall at Rudreshwar Temple

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in partnership with the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), has initiated the development and beautification of Harvalem Waterfall at the Rudreshwar Temple surroundings in Harvalem, Bicholim. This initiative is part of Goa’s ongoing efforts to strengthen eco-tourism and promote Amrit Dharohar as Challenged Based Destinations Development, with a focus on improving facilities for visitors while preserving the state’s natural and cultural heritage.

The inauguration programme was attended by Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Power & New and Renewable Energy Shripad Naik, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, President BJP Goa State Damu Naik, Chairman Goa Tourism Development Corporation Kedar J. Naik, Director of Tourism Kedar Naik, Managing Director of GTDC Kuldeep Arolkar, Vice Chairperson Sankhali Municipal Council Dayanand Boryekar, and President of Rudreshwar Temple, Harvalem, Yashwant Madkar.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant highlighted the cultural and ecological significance of Harvalem, stating that strengthening such destinations benefits both tourism and the local communities dependent on them. Minister for Tourism Rohan A. Khaunte emphasized that the project reflects Goa’s broader vision of diversifying tourism offerings, focusing on nature-based experiences, improved accessibility, and responsible development that supports the local ecosystem and economy. Chairman of GTDC Kedar J. Naik added that the improvements will help position Harvalem more prominently within Goa’s eco-tourism circuits, while Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade stressed that sustainable planning, safety, and thoughtful design remain central to the project.

As part of the programme, the Chief Minister inaugurated an audiovisual film presenting the project’s plans and vision. The function included presentations by GTDC and Rudreshwar Temple Committee, with mementos presented to all dignitaries and a vote of thanks acknowledging collective efforts in shaping the project.

This development is part of Goa’s larger strategy to strengthen tourism infrastructure across natural, cultural, and heritage locations. By investing in projects like Harvalem, the state continues to create a more diverse, experience-driven tourism landscape while preserving the integrity of its natural environment.

Travel

Goa Deepens Engagement with Russian Travellers as Delegation Visits Paryatan Bhavan

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Panaji, Nov 14, 2025: The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, extended a warm welcome to a 37-member delegation from Russia at Paryatan Bhavan as part of their week-long exploration of the State’s tourism offerings.

Present for the reception were Director of Tourism Kedar Naik; GTDC General Manager (Hotels & Marketing) Gavin Dias; Assistant Director (Tourism) Jayesh Kankonkar; Assistant Tourist Officer Chitra Vengurlekar; OSD to the Tourism Minister Shawn Mendes; and TCI & SITA Chief Operating Officer Ernest Dias, along with officials and key representatives of the tourism industry.

Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte said Goa enjoys a warm, long-standing relationship with the Russian market, marked by mutual trust and consistent engagement. “We value this continued interest from Russian travellers. Goa remains committed to offering every visitor a safe, pleasant, and memorable stay,” he said.

Director of Tourism, Kedar Naik, also highlighted the enduring bond between Goa and Russia, noting that travellers from Russia have long appreciated the State’s culture, hospitality, and lifestyle, making them an integral part of Goa’s tourism narrative.

TCI & SITA COO, Ernest Dias, expressed optimism that Goa would witness strong tourist arrivals from Ekaterinburg and Moscow for the upcoming season, underscoring the ongoing confidence of Russian travellers in Goa.

As part of the reception, GTDC’s Gavin Dias presented an engaging overview of Goa’s diverse tourism profile—its cultural heritage, vibrant festivals, culinary richness, wellness tourism, adventure offerings, and high-quality hospitality infrastructure.

During their seven-day visit, the delegation will explore a range of experiences across Goa, including spice plantations and iconic attractions, while gaining deeper insights into the State’s evolving tourism landscape. The visitors expressed appreciation for the warm reception and showed keen interest in discovering more of what Goa has to offer.

The Department of Tourism looks forward to strengthening this relationship further and enhancing collaborations to promote Goa globally.