Tag: India tourism

Travel

Goa Tourism Unveils Regenerative Vision at SATTE 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa Tourism marked a significant presence at SATTE 2026, one of South Asia’s leading travel trade exhibitions, held at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi. The event was inaugurated by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, whose visit to the Goa pavilion added prominence to the State’s participation.

During his visit, the Minister interacted with the official Goa delegation, gaining insights into the State’s evolving tourism roadmap. The delegation highlighted Goa’s strategic focus on regenerative tourism, an approach that goes beyond sustainability by actively restoring and enhancing local ecosystems, communities and economies. This progressive vision positions Goa as a leader in responsible tourism practices in India.

The Goa pavilion emerged as a major attraction on Day 1, witnessing a steady flow of visitors, including domestic and international travel trade representatives. Delegates showed keen interest in the State’s diversified tourism offerings, ranging from its iconic coastal experiences to its lesser-explored hinterland circuits. The display presented a comprehensive picture of Goa as a year-round destination, moving beyond its traditional beach-centric identity.

A key highlight of the showcase was the emphasis on regenerative tourism as a guiding principle for future growth. Anchored in the pillars of people, environment and economy, this approach resonated strongly with stakeholders seeking meaningful and sustainable travel models. The concept drew attention from buyers and partners looking to align with destinations that prioritise long-term impact over short-term gains.

The pavilion also promoted the “Live the Feeling” campaign, inviting travellers to experience Goa in a more immersive and authentic way. The campaign encourages visitors to engage with local culture, traditions and communities, thereby enriching their travel experience while contributing positively to the destination.

Officials noted strong engagement and productive discussions with industry stakeholders, particularly around experiential tourism, infrastructure development and enhanced visitor facilities. SATTE continues to serve as a crucial platform for Goa to expand its reach, strengthen partnerships and reinforce its position in both domestic and international markets.

Goa’s dynamic participation at SATTE 2026 reflects its continued commitment to innovation in tourism and its ambition to redefine how destinations are experienced. By embracing regenerative principles and showcasing a holistic tourism portfolio, the State is setting a forward-looking benchmark for the industry while reinforcing its appeal to the modern, conscious traveller.

Travel

Goa Tourism Showcases Regenerative Vision at SATTE 2026 in New Delhi

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, is set to participate in the South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2026, which will be held from February 25 to 27 at Yashobhoomi (India International Convention and Expo Centre) in New Delhi. Recognised as one of South Asia’s most prominent travel and tourism exhibitions, SATTE brings together destinations, travel professionals, hospitality brands, and key stakeholders from across the global tourism ecosystem, creating opportunities for collaboration, networking, and business growth.

Goa Tourism will showcase its diverse and evolving portfolio at Stall No. A-62, engaging with industry stakeholders and partners over the three-day event. The State’s participation is centred on reinforcing its identity as a year-round destination driven by quality, sustainability, and regenerative tourism practices. Visitors to the Goa pavilion will experience a curated mix of offerings, including spiritual circuits such as Ekadasha Teertha, hinterland and village tourism, homestays, wellness retreats, adventure activities, heritage trails, monsoon experiences, and vibrant cultural festivals that highlight Goa’s rich and living traditions.

The delegation will actively participate in business-to-business meetings with domestic and international tour operators, travel agents, destination management companies, hospitality partners, and aviation stakeholders. These engagements aim to strengthen strategic alliances, enhance market visibility, and promote responsible tourism practices while attracting travellers seeking deeper, more meaningful, and immersive experiences.

Tourism Minister Shri Rohan Ashok Khaunte emphasised that Goa’s presence at SATTE 2026 aligns with the State’s broader vision of becoming a regenerative and future-ready tourism destination. He highlighted that the focus remains on empowering local communities, preserving cultural identity, and encouraging responsible travel while leveraging global platforms to build impactful partnerships.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik noted that SATTE continues to serve as a significant forum for engaging with stakeholders across the travel and tourism sector. He added that this year’s showcase will focus on curated experiences that reflect Goa’s evolving tourism narrative and its shift towards sustainability and innovation.

Through its participation, the Department of Tourism aims to further strengthen Goa’s brand presence in key domestic and international markets while placing sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation at the core of its tourism strategy. The State looks forward to meaningful engagements and collaborations that will support its continued growth as one of the world’s most preferred travel destinations.

Business

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

allycaralgoa

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.

Travel

IRCTC Golden Chariot Luxury Train Showcases Goa’s Culture to Premium Travellers

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa Tourism warmly welcomed the IRCTC Golden Chariot Luxury Train at Madgaon on November 5, 2025, offering high-end travellers a chance to experience the State’s rich culture, heritage, and hospitality. Among the guests were 26 international travellers who enjoyed a carefully curated itinerary featuring immersive heritage-led activities.

Visitors explored prominent churches in North Goa, gaining insights into the region’s spiritual and architectural significance, and experiencing a side of Goa beyond its famous beaches. Following the cultural tour, the Golden Chariot continued its journey towards Bengaluru.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized that such visits help travellers appreciate Goa’s culture, heritage, and warm hospitality, while supporting initiatives that create meaningful experiences and benefit local communities. Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik noted the growing interest in cultural and heritage tourism, welcoming the opportunity to showcase Goa’s diverse offerings to discerning travellers.

This visit aligns with Goa Tourism’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable, immersive, and culturally rooted experiences, positioning the State as a premium, year-round travel destination. By bringing together luxury travel and authentic local experiences, the Golden Chariot visit reinforces Goa’s reputation as a destination that combines heritage, culture, and world-class hospitality.

Travel

Goa’s Tourism Shines with 6.23% Growth; Domestic and International Arrivals Surge in 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa’s tourism industry has recorded a remarkable surge this year, reaffirming its position as one of India’s leading travel destinations. From January to September 2025, the state achieved an overall 6.23% increase in tourist arrivals compared to the same period last year. Domestic arrivals rose from 69,24,938 in 2024 to 72,96,068 in 2025, marking a 5.36% increase, while international arrivals grew significantly by 29.33%, climbing from 2,59,820 to 3,36,031 visitors. Tourism continues to play a major role in Goa’s economy, contributing around 16.43% to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and generating nearly 40–45% of direct and indirect employment.

Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte noted that Goa’s consistent performance, even during the monsoon months, demonstrates the success of year-round tourism initiatives. He praised the growing international reach of Goa’s tourism, with charter flights arriving from destinations such as Ekaterinburg, Kazakhstan, Novosibirsk, and Moscow, totaling 34 flights from Russia and Central Asia in October 2025 alone. TUI Airways is also set to begin direct flights from Manchester and Gatwick, expected to bring an additional 30,000–40,000 travellers to Goa.

The Minister emphasized the importance of responsible tourism, stating that sustainability and quality remain central to Goa’s vision. Shacks began operations earlier this season, and watersports operators received timely permissions under improved regulations. He also confirmed that six shack operators lost their licenses this year for sub-letting, underscoring the Department’s commitment to transparency.

To further strengthen Goa’s tourism ecosystem, new policies are on the horizon. The upcoming Aerosports Policy and Wellness Tourism Policy aim to promote adventure, MICE, wedding, and wellness tourism under the “Goa Beyond Beaches” initiative. These efforts will support women-led enterprises and community-driven tourism. Simultaneously, the Department is cracking down on illegal touting and ensuring hospitality compliance through hotel verification drives and fully online registration systems for ease of doing business.

Empowering Goans remains at the heart of these initiatives. The Certified Tourism Facilitator Programme has already certified 72 guides, while a new ID-based registration system for beach photographers aims to prevent irregularities. A dedicated scheme for local photographers, “Niz Goenkars,” will soon be launched to encourage homegrown entrepreneurship.

Highlighting support from the Central Government, Shri Khaunte announced that ₹472 crore has been sanctioned for key tourism projects including Swadesh Darshan, Town Square, Unity Mall, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum. Looking ahead, Goa plans to develop a vibrant “concert economy” to enhance entertainment infrastructure and promote cultural tourism.

Concluding his address, the Minister said Goa’s tourism story is evolving from “enforcement to empowerment,” driven by collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. With sustained efforts and a shared commitment to responsible travel, Goa aims to solidify its reputation as a premier global destination offering experiences beyond its beaches.