Tag: Indian Tourism

Travel

Stakeholders Unite, Stories Shine: Goa Tourism Wraps Up Month-Long World Tourism Day Celebrations

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, 29th September 2025 – The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) and SKAL International Goa, successfully concluded a month-long celebration of World Tourism Day 2025, culminating in the World Tourism Day Heritage for Sustainability Film Festival at ESG, Panaji. This curated film showcase brought together diverse voices and visual stories reflecting Goa’s cultural depth, coastal and hinterland experiences, and the state’s shift towards responsible and inclusive tourism.

The grand finale at ESG featured a line-up of compelling short films including Postcards from Goa, Islands on Island, Sashticho Koddo, Bread and Belonging, Kharvan, The Birdman of Chorao, Caazu, I Am Nothing, Sadabahar, Conversations on Oviyos, Written in Corners, Petroglyphs and Manohar Rai Sardesai. Thoughtful interactions with filmmakers such as Vince Costa, Sonia Filinto, Nalini Elvino de Sousa, Elsa de Souza, Ronak Kamat and Shaistah Thapar added depth to the festival, which resonated with students, influencers, and tourism professionals alike.

The month-long festivities reflected a dynamic model of tourism that reaches beyond traditional beach destinations. The Department of Tourism organised over a dozen experiential activities that highlighted Goa’s regenerative and community-centric tourism model. These included forest walks in bioluminescent zones, kayaking expeditions, river cruises, coconut farming, bread-making experiences in rural villages, cycling tours through Chorao Island, and heritage walks at Aguad and Monte Santo. These experiences offered visitors a unique look into Goa’s natural assets and living traditions while creating economic opportunities for local communities.

The celebrations also served as a platform for learning and collaboration. On 27th September, Goa hosted its largest ever Tourism Stakeholders’ Meet at the Grand Hyatt, bringing together hoteliers, tour operators, travel agents, government bodies, industry experts, and aspiring tourism entrepreneurs to discuss the future of Goa’s tourism sector. Topics included sustainable growth strategies, youth engagement, and tapping into emerging global markets.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasised that Goa’s tourism story is no longer just about leisure—it is now about learning, responsibility, and contributing to places and communities. He praised the active involvement of students, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and entrepreneurs, noting that Goa’s inclusive tourism model sets a benchmark for the rest of the country. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to building a regenerative tourism economy that preserves culture, nurtures nature, and benefits all stakeholders.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik reiterated the campaign’s core message of “Goa Beyond Beaches,” stressing the need to involve and uplift local communities, especially women and youth. The department’s vision for tourism in Goa is to combine innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability—empowering those who form the backbone of the tourism industry while curating authentic visitor experiences.

With enthusiastic support from students, filmmakers, homestay owners, content creators, NGOs, and industry professionals, the World Tourism Day 2025 celebrations served as a vibrant reminder of Goa’s evolving identity as a hub of responsible, community-based tourism. As Goa sets its sights on becoming a year-round tourism destination rooted in regenerative values, the success of this initiative reflects a collective commitment to telling better stories, building better systems, and welcoming the world with purpose.

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Goa Tourism to Strengthen Domestic Outreach with Showcase at TTF Hyderabad 2025

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H. Team Allycaral

Goa Tourism is gearing up to showcase a refreshed and redefined identity at the Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) Hyderabad 2025, scheduled to be held on 19th and 20th September at the Hyderabad International Convention Center. Moving beyond the well-known image of sun, sand, and sea, the state is presenting a deeper, richer travel narrative under the theme “Goa Beyond Beaches”.

At this year’s TTF, the Goa Tourism pavilion will highlight immersive, regenerative tourism experiences. Visitors can explore a variety of offerings that range from hinterland trails, monsoon tourism, spiritual circuits, and wellness retreats to village life, cultural festivals, and adventure tourism. These elements reflect the government’s commitment to sustainable and community-focused tourism.

Honourable Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized the state’s evolving identity. “Goa is evolving beyond its iconic beaches to emerge as a destination that is vibrant, diverse, and sustainable. Our focus is on tourism that creates authentic and memorable experiences for visitors while supporting local communities and preserving our environment. Our aim at TTF Hyderabad is to connect with a wide network of travel agents, operators, and corporates who play a crucial role in shaping travel choices,” he said. He invited Goa’s travel trade partners to join in promoting a forward-looking, inclusive, and sustainable tourism vision.

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, echoed these sentiments, stating, “We are showcasing Goa at TTF Hyderabad as a destination for every traveller — whether it’s culture, heritage, wellness, adventure, or eco-tourism. Goa offers authentic and memorable experiences throughout the year.”

The Goa Tourism showcase at TTF Hyderabad 2025 reflects a strong focus on partnerships, storytelling, and innovation. The goal is to deepen engagement with the domestic market and promote experiences that are memorable, meaningful, and mindful — aligning with the broader global movement toward responsible and regenerative travel.

This participation is part of a broader domestic outreach strategy that aims to position Goa as a year-round destination rooted in tradition, sustainability, and innovation.

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Goa Tourism to Showcase “Sunshine and More in Goa” at OTDYKH Leisure 2025 in Moscow

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa Tourism is taking the global stage once again, as it prepares to participate in OTDYKH Leisure 2025—one of the largest international travel and tourism exhibitions. The event will take place from 10th to 12th September at the Timiryazev Exhibition Center in Moscow, Russia. This year, Goa Tourism will present the theme “Sunshine and More in Goa” at Pavilion B13, inviting global audiences to experience the richness and diversity of India’s most beloved coastal destination.

Speaking ahead of the event, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized Goa’s positioning as a holistic and globally attractive destination. “Goa has always been one of the most sought-after destinations for international travelers, and our presence at OTDYKH Leisure 2025 is another step towards strengthening Goa’s global footprint. Through the theme ‘Sunshine and More in Goa,’ we want to showcase the multifaceted experiences our state offers, from beaches to hinterlands, from wellness retreats to cultural richness. Our focus is on attracting quality tourism, building meaningful collaborations, and positioning Goa as a responsible, world-class destination.”

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, also noted the importance of the platform: “OTDYKH Leisure is a significant platform to connect with international travel trade stakeholders and potential visitors. At the Goa Pavilion, we will be highlighting not just the leisure aspect of Goa but also our forward-looking initiatives in areas like wellness, heritage, adventure, and community tourism. This participation provides an opportunity to emphasize Goa’s position as a destination that celebrates culture, sustainability, and authentic travel experiences.”

Goa’s presentation at the exhibition will go far beyond sun and sand. Visitors to the pavilion will get to explore the state’s pristine beaches, vibrant hinterlands, luxury resorts, spiritual and wellness getaways, immersive heritage trails, adrenaline-filled adventure experiences, and community-led tourism initiatives. It’s all part of Goa’s evolving narrative as a year-round destination for leisure, business, and mindful travel.

With the global spotlight increasingly shifting toward regenerative tourism and eco-conscious travel, Goa Tourism’s showcase will also highlight the state’s ongoing work in preserving natural ecosystems, empowering local communities, and encouraging responsible travel practices. By participating in OTDYKH Leisure 2025, Goa aims not only to promote its attractions but also to strengthen international partnerships, encourage investments, and open doors to a new era of tourism that values people, planet, and authentic experiences.

Goa Tourism warmly invites travel professionals, investors, stakeholders, and global travelers to visit the Goa Pavilion – B13 and experience the true spirit of “Sunshine and More in Goa.”

Events in Goa

Goa Gears Up to Showcase Regenerative Tourism and ‘Beyond Beaches’ Campaign at TTF Mumbai 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Panjim | August 7, 2025: The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, is set to make a strong impression at the Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) Mumbai 2025, to be held from August 11 to 13 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.

After earning the Excellence Award for its trailblazing ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’ campaign at TTF Ahmedabad earlier this year, Goa is ready to push the envelope further with its evolving tourism strategy centered on Regenerative Tourism.

A Shift from Volume to Value

Speaking ahead of the event, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized the need for responsible tourism:

“Goa is leading a paradigm shift in Indian tourism – from volume to value, from seasonal to year-round, and from superficial to immersive. At TTF Mumbai, we aim to reinforce our vision of Regenerative Tourism that benefits the people, nurtures our ecology, and sustains our culture.”

What’s New at the Goa Pavilion?

The Goa Pavilion at TTF Mumbai will present a multi-dimensional showcase reflecting the state’s renewed tourism outlook:

  • 🌧️ Monsoon Tourism: Promoting lesser-known trekking trails and nature circuits
  • 🛕 Spiritual Tourism: Featuring the Ekadasha Teertha circuit
  • 🧘 Wellness & Retreat Tourism: Showcasing yoga, ayurveda, and meditation experiences
  • 🏡 Homestays & Rural Circuits: Connecting tourists to the authentic Goan lifestyle
  • 🎭 Cultural Immersion: Celebrating Goa’s rich traditions, art, and cuisine

Engagement and Partnerships

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added:

“Our participation at TTF Mumbai is part of our ongoing outreach to engage with the travel trade and explore partnerships that align with Goa’s future-ready tourism vision.”

Officials from the Department of Tourism along with key stakeholders from the travel industry will be present to connect with tour operators, media, and investors who are aligned with Goa’s sustainable and diversified tourism development path.

Goa – More Than Just Beaches

Through campaigns like ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’, the state is successfully repositioning itself as a year-round, culture-rich, eco-conscious destination. The new focus is not only drawing a different kind of traveller but also helping to protect Goa’s heritage, ecology, and local livelihoods.

As Goa steps into TTF Mumbai 2025, it sends a clear message — Goa is no longer just a destination, it’s a living experience that respects both its people and planet.