Tag: monsoon tourism

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.

Sports

Goa Monsoon Premier League Kicks Off with Thrilling Matches and Cultural Fanfare

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, Goa: On a rainy Wednesday morning, the Duler Football Stadium came alive with football and festivity as the Goa Monsoon Premier League kicked off its much-anticipated debut edition. With music, dance, and the cheers of football fans echoing through the stands, the event offered a uniquely Goan take on the beautiful game.

Organised jointly by the Goa Football Association (GFA) and the Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Social Welfare Trust, this under-20 tournament is more than just a sports event—it’s a cultural initiative aimed at boosting youth engagement and monsoon tourism in the state.

“At this time of the year, there’s limited football activity. So we supported this event to mix football with culture,” said GFA President Caitano Fernandes, the chief guest at the opening.

The brainchild behind the tournament is V.P.V. Yugka Murrthy, Vice President (South India) of the Indo-Latin American Chamber of Commerce, who hopes to spotlight young football talent and connect them to larger training opportunities.

Fast & Fresh Format

While called a “league,” the tournament follows a knockout format with 16 GFA-affiliated clubs. Matches are six-a-side, divided into two 20-minute halves, with rolling substitutions, no offside rule, and penalty shootouts in case of a tie.

To ensure safety and fair play, slide tackles are banned, and sin-bin penalties are used for repeat offenders—rules that added a new layer of strategy and discipline to the game.

Matchday Highlights

The opening day saw some exciting clashes and emphatic victories:

  • 🥇 Dempo SC overwhelmed FC Tuem with an 8–0 scoreline
  • 🥇 CAC Cansaulim cruised past St Anthony’s Marna 7–1
  • 🥇 Patrong SC defeated Chapora Yuvak Sangh 4–1

🎯 The tightest game saw Guardian Angel edge Sinquerim SC in a 3–3 thriller, winning via tiebreaker

What’s Next?

With high energy and a strong start, the Goa Monsoon Premier League promises a month of gripping football under the Goan rains. The unique blend of sport and culture could pave the way for this to become an annual sporting calendar fixture in the state.

Stay tuned for more updates as Goa’s young footballers make the most of monsoon magic!

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Gastronomy-led experiences to enrich Goa’s Monsoon tourism

allycaralgoa

Panaji, July 1, 2025: The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, convened a strategic meeting to plan the promotion of Goa’s rich culinary heritage as part of its monsoon tourism campaign for the month of July and August. This initiative falls under the broader #GlowOnArrival campaign, which aims to offer immersive and regenerative experiences to visitors during the monsoon season.

The meeting was chaired by Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik along with Managing Director of Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) Shri Kuldeep Arolkar; OSD to Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Shri Shawn Mendes; General Manager, GTDC, Shri Gavin Dias; Dy. General Manager (Marketing), GTDC Shri Deepak Narvekar; Deputy Director of Tourism Shri Jayesh Kankonkar; President of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) Shri Jack Sukhija; and several representatives from the state’s hospitality sector.

The initiative aims to position Goa as India’s leading food destination by curating special culinary celebrations where every cuisine from authentic Goan dishes to regional Indian fare and global flavours is showcased across the state. The campaign is designed to highlight how food can be a powerful lens to explore Goa’s vibrant culture, people, and landscapes, especially during the lush and immersive monsoon season. It aims to invite tourists to engage with Goa’s diverse food heritage while showcasing the seamless fusion of global influences with local ingredients through events where chefs use local Goan produce and restaurants present cross-cultural culinary experiences.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, said, “The objective of this initiative is to offer visitors an opportunity to experience a unique side of Goa during the monsoon through its diverse culinary traditions and evolving food culture. By highlighting both traditional monsoon delicacies and contemporary global dishes prepared with local ingredients, we aim to present Goa as a destination where food reflects heritage, creativity, and a deep sense of place.”

As part of #GlowOnArrival monsoon campaign, Goa Tourism has also introduced month-wise thematic promotions that will run from June to September 2025. These include: June showcased Festivals of Goa, and highlighted vibrant seasonal celebrations such as Sao Joao and Chikhal Kalo;August – Experience & Adventures of Goa, promoting eco-adventures such as monsoon treks, plantation visits, and soft adventure activities; and September, along with World Tourism Day, spotlights Goa’s diverse attractions—from forts and monuments to waterfalls, museums, and scenic drives.

The Department of Tourism, in collaboration with industry stakeholders, will continue working to strengthen Goa’s brand as a regenerative, culturally rich, and flavour-forward tourism destination during the monsoons.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

GTDC Announces Monsoon Trekking Expedition to Tambdi Surla Waterfalls on 29th June 2025

allycaralgoa

Panaji, June 23, 2025 – The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) is inviting nature lovers and adventure seekers to experience the magic of the monsoons with a special Trekking Expedition to Tambdi Surla Waterfalls, scheduled for Sunday, 29th June 2025.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, this monsoon trek offers participants a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure.

🌧️ Explore Goa’s Monsoon Magic

Monsoon in Goa transforms the landscape into a lush green paradise, and few places capture this seasonal charm better than Tambdi Surla Waterfalls. Nestled deep within the forest, the falls cascade into a serene natural pool — an ideal spot for a refreshing dip amidst nature.

The trail to the waterfall begins at the famous Tambdi Surla Shiva Temple, a revered 12th-century monument built in the Kadamba style of architecture. A visit to this ancient temple adds a spiritual and historical dimension to the trek.

🌿 A Trek for the Adventurous and the Curious

The trek is moderately challenging, taking approximately 90 minutes one way, and is suitable for participants in good physical health. Along the way, trekkers will experience:

  • Dense tropical forests
  • Flowing monsoon-fed streams
  • Rich biodiversity including birds, butterflies, and flora
  • The peaceful sounds of the forest and rushing waters

This immersive journey offers a deep connection with nature and is ideal for trekking enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone looking to explore Goa beyond its beaches.

🚌 Travel & Logistical Information

GTDC has arranged convenient transport from multiple locations to ensure a hassle-free experience for participants:

  • Mapusa Residency: Departure at 7:00 AM
  • Margao Residency: Departure at 6:45 AM
  • Paryatan Bhavan, Panaji: Reporting time at 7:30 AM
  • Additional Pick-up Points: Old Goa, Banasthari, Farmagudi, and Ponda

💰 Registration & Inclusions

The trekking expedition is priced at ₹1400/- per person, which includes:

  • Transport to and from the site
  • Professional guiding services
  • Nutritious lunch

Participants are advised to carry:

  • Rainwear and an extra pair of clothes
  • Trekking shoes or sturdy footwear
  • Snacks, water bottle, and binoculars
  • A spirit of adventure and respect for nature

Note: Smoking and alcohol consumption are strictly prohibited. Participants are urged to avoid littering and refrain from using plastic in the sanctuary area to help preserve the natural ecosystem.

🌱 Promoting Eco and Adventure Tourism

This initiative is part of GTDC’s ongoing efforts to promote nature-based and adventure tourism in Goa’s lesser-explored hinterlands, especially during the vibrant monsoon season. By spotlighting hidden gems like Tambdi Surla, GTDC aims to encourage sustainable tourism that benefits local communities and preserves natural heritage.

📞 Booking & Contact Information

Interested participants can book their trek or get more information by contacting:

📱 Anil Dalal, GTDC
📞 9422057704 / 8379022215
🌐 Online Booking: www.goa-tourism.com