Panaji, March 7, 2025: In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has announced a special initiative to encourage and facilitate women. Women booking rooms across all the GTDC residencies in Goa starting from March 7 till March 9, 2025, will receive a 50% discount on their stay.
Emphasizing the significance of this initiative, Dr Ganesh Gaonkar, Chairman GTDC, stated, ” On the occasion of International Women’s Day we extend our appreciation for the contributions of women in all spheres of life. To celebrate this spirit, GTDC is offering a special discount to encourage women to take time for themselves, travel, and experience the diverse offerings of Goa.”
Adding to this, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director of GTDC, said, “At GTDC, we are committed to making tourism in Goa more inclusive and accessible. This initiative is a step toward ensuring that women feel welcomed and valued when they travel. We invite women, along with their families, to visit Goa and enjoy a memorable stay at GTDC residencies.”
GTDC continues to introduce such initiatives to enhance travel experiences and promote Goa as a welcoming destination for all. The corporation urges all women to take advantage of this special offer and enjoy a memorable stay in the state. For bookings visit GTDC website http://www.goa-tourism.com or call on 0832-2438866.
In a candid conversation, Komal Bhatia, the visionary behind Paz Café, shares the inspiring story of her entrepreneurial journey, the values that drive her business, and the secrets to Paz Café’s success.
Komal’s love for creating warm and welcoming spaces led her to establish Paz Café, a haven where people can pause, connect, and find peace. The name “Paz” – meaning “peace” in Portuguese – pays homage to Goa’s rich heritage and laid-back vibe.
With a background in the corporate world, Komal took a leap of faith to pursue her passion for hospitality. Four years ago, she left her job to chase her dream, and Goa’s unique blend of travelers, artists, and entrepreneurs proved to be the perfect setting for her vision.
At Paz Café, Komal prioritizes authenticity, quality, and community. She focuses on creating an immersive experience, using fresh ingredients, and curating a space that fosters connections. Sustainability and ethical business practices are also at the forefront of her mission.
Paz Café embodies a unique blend of bohemian-chic and European charm, reflecting Goa’s relaxed yet vibrant energy. The cozy atmosphere invites customers to unwind and savor delicious food and drinks.
Paz Café offers an eclectic mix of all-day breakfast, healthy, and comfort food, showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From artisanal sandwiches to specialty coffee and smoothie bowls, the menu caters to a diverse crowd.
The café is particularly famous for its mouth-watering chicken basil sandwich, mango smoothie bowl, and classic cold frappe.
Komal recounts the challenges she faced, including staffing and operational hurdles. She attributes her success to being hands-on, adapting quickly, and focusing on building a strong brand identity.
Paz Café has achieved notable recognition, including features in prominent publications like Gomantak Times, Curly Tales, and It’s Goa magazine. The café has also built a loyal customer base, with many recommending it as a must-visit spot in Goa.
In conclusion, Komal Bhatia’s inspiring journey and commitment to values-driven business have made Paz Café a beloved destination in Goa.
Panaji, January 15, 2025 – The Department of Tourism, Goa, organized a comprehensive day-long conclave for tourism stakeholders. Chaired by the Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Shri Rohan Khaunte, and Director of Tourism, Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, the event aimed to counter misinformation about tourist footfall figures and reaffirm Goa’s position as a premier tourism destination.
The conclave brought together key stakeholders from diverse sectors, including cruise tourism, airport operations, charter flights, beach tourism, transport, and accommodation. Members of the Goa Tourism Board including Mark Mendes, Ernest Dias, Carlos de Sousa; TTAG President Jack Sukhija, and other industry representatives discussed strategies to enhance Goa’s tourism experience and ensure sustainable growth.
Addressing the media after the stakeholders conclave, Shri. Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director of Tourism stated that the state saw a notable 21% growth which promises a very positive and promising trend of tourism in Goa, with a substantial 54% increase in tourists visiting in December 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. The quarterly growth from October to December stood at 38%. While domestic tourist numbers increased by 22%, foreign tourist numbers grew by 3%.” These provisional figures show that there is strong growth in terms of numbers.
Director Suneel Anchipaka IAS further said that the data has been compiled from credible sources, including airport arrivals, Konkan Railways, and the Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) and other transport operators. These statistics unequivocally indicate a robust growth in Goa’s tourism sector, reaffirming its position as a preferred destination.
The director further stated that Dabolim Airport saw a significant surge in passenger traffic, with a remarkable 27% growth in December 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. He said that the government is focusing on quality over quantity and that the hotel occupancy remained highest this season which shows that high-end tourists are preferring Goa.
Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte stated “In the year 2023, Goa received 81,75,460 domestic tourists and 4,52,702 international tourists, totalling 86,28,162 visitors. Whereas in the year 2024, provisional figures show that Goa welcomed 99,41,285 domestic tourists and around 4,67,911 international tourists, bringing the total to 1,04,09,196 visitors.”
The Minister highlighted that during the last week of December 2024, Goa saw a record 200 flights arriving daily. Despite the broader Asia tourism sector facing a -18% growth rate post-COVID-19, Goa’s 3% growth in foreign tourist arrivals signifies the state’s resilience and adaptability.
The Tourism Minister also addressed the recent criticism from social media influencers, attributing it to unverified data released by the China Economic Information Centre. He expressed that Goa is performing much better than the national average; has got a great resilience in adaptability in the competitive tourism landscape and as a year to year-round destination we are also looking at increasing off season business.
The Minister acknowledged challenges such as overtourism, particularly at popular beaches like Baga and Calangute, which have faced overcrowding, waste management issues, and occasional conflicts between locals and tourists. These challenges, along with the impact of budget tourism, require a focused and proactive approach to maintain Goa’s infrastructure and reputation.
To enhance the overall tourist experience, the government is adopting technology across various services. Platforms such as Goa Miles and the Goa Taxi app are integral to improving transport services. The Minister assured that concerns related to taxi operations are being actively addressed through technology-driven solutions. Additionally, efforts are being made to educate visitors about Goa’s cultural values, traditions, and boundaries, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation among tourists.
Responding to concerns about a perceived decline in tourism, the Minister emphasized that several hotels achieved near 100% occupancy this year, accompanied by impressive Average Room Rates (AAR). He further noted that, under the Ease of Doing Business initiative, the number of registered hotels in the state has increased from approximately 3,000 in 2022 to nearly 9,000 in 2024 across various categories, ensuring visitors have a broader range of accommodation options, including homestays.
The minister further stated that issues raised during the stakeholder meeting will be taken up at the upcoming Goa Tourism Board meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Shri Pramod Sawant. An actionable plan will be formulated in collaboration with the Chief Secretary and other officials and presented to the Chief Minister for implementation.
“We strongly believe in the ethos of Atithi Devo Bhava, where every guest is treated with utmost respect and hospitality. Our commitment is to uphold this principle while ensuring Goa remains a premier destination that offers unique experiences, vibrant culture, and world-class services,” the Minister concluded.
