Tag: Rohan Khaunte

TechPulse

Goa to Launch Centre of Excellence in AI Hospitality with Pacific Link College, Canada

Tanisha Cardozo

In a landmark move that blends technology, tourism, and education, Goa is all set to launch a Centre of Excellence in AI Hospitality in partnership with Pacific Link College, Canada. This pioneering initiative will integrate artificial intelligence into the core of the state’s booming hospitality and tourism sector, enhancing guest experiences while building a skilled workforce equipped for the future.

The project was the focus of high-level meetings held in Goa, where a delegation from Pacific Link College met with Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Shri Rohan Khaunte. The visiting team, led by Shri Tarun Khullar (CEO and Director-Board Member, BCIBN), included Shri Roshan Worth (Head of South Asia), Shri Rick Pasin (Head of Academics), and Shri Aaron DPenha (Campus Director). They presented a detailed proposal outlining their vision to create a world-class institution focused on AI-driven hospitality innovation.

“This collaboration is not just about imagining the future of tourism – we are building it,” said Shri Rohan Khaunte. “The Centre of Excellence will empower Goan youth with the latest in AI training, and put Goa on the map as a lighthouse state for AI-powered tourism experiences.”

The Government of Goa played a key role in coordinating discussions between the Pacific Link College team and stakeholders from the local industry and academic sectors to ensure that the Centre’s goals are aligned with regional training needs and tourism development strategies. During follow-up meetings on September 8, 2025, two potential locations were identified for the Centre’s physical campus.

The Centre of Excellence will have a multi-pronged mission: to skill youth in AI applications specific to hospitality – from automating services to designing personalized guest experiences, to support startups and entrepreneurs developing AI-based travel tech solutions, to co-develop academic curricula with Goan institutions, and to embed AI tools across tourism services in the state.

This initiative is a strategic pillar of Goa’s AI Mission 2027, an ambitious program aimed at embedding artificial intelligence across governance, industry, education, and entrepreneurship. By leveraging AI, Goa hopes to offer smarter, more seamless tourism experiences, attract longer and more meaningful visits, and create new job and investment opportunities in the process.

The Centre of Excellence in AI Hospitality is expected to be operational in the coming months, following the formalization of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the completion of necessary infrastructure.

#food

Restaurants at the Heart of Goa’s Tourism Push, Says Minister at NRAI Summit 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa’s culinary prowess took centre stage at the inaugural NRAI Indian Restaurant Summit 2025, hosted for the first time in the coastal state at Dona Paula. In a powerful keynote address, Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte described the restaurant industry as the “economic backbone” of the state’s tourism economy and an essential pillar of its regenerative tourism model. The three-day summit, themed ‘Serving The Future’, brought together more than 2,500 delegates, 60+ speakers, 500+ brands, and 300+ partners from across India and abroad.

Minister Khaunte emphasized that Goa is actively repositioning itself as a destination that goes “beyond beaches,” embracing culture, heritage, adventure, and sustainability. He underscored that regenerative tourism in Goa is built on four pillars — people, community, economy, and environment — and that food is central to this journey. At the summit, the minister also felicitated iconic Goan food institutions such as Longuinhos, Café Central, Café Tato, Mr Baker, Sher e Punjab, Jila Bakery, Goenchin, and Titos, as well as legendary chefs including Urbano Rego and the late Caridade Alfonso.

Organized by the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), the summit featured panel discussions and workshops highlighting the transition of Goa from a nightlife-centric beach destination to a serious global culinary hub. Topics included regional cuisine, cocktail culture, the evolution of café life, and the emergence of Indian cities as global food destinations. Global and national culinary icons including Roni Mazumdar, AD Singh, Ashneer Grover, Riyaaz Amlani, Ashish Tulsian, Manish Mehrotra, Ranveer Brar, Saransh Goila, and Vicky Ratnani brought international insight to the event.

Panaji Mayor Rohit Monserrate was also in attendance, showing support for the evolving role of food in Goa’s socio-economic development. NRAI Goa Chapter head Prahlad Sukhtankar noted that Goa’s offline restaurant industry now accounts for 55% of the sector — far ahead of the national average of 43% — a sign of stronger compliance, structure, and long-term growth potential.

By honouring local cuisine and encouraging innovation rooted in tradition, the summit reaffirmed that for Goa, food is not just about dining — it is about culture, community, and sustainable economic empowerment.

Travel

Goa Tourism Engages Youth with Electric Cycle Tour & Bread-Making Experience under Yuva Tourism Club

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Panjim, 17th September 2025 – As part of the month-long build-up to World Tourism Day 2025, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), SKAL International Goa, and the Yuva Tourism Club, conducted two immersive student activities: an Electric Cycle Tour at Chorao and a “Life of Pao” Bread-Making Experience at Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts and Science, Devorlim.

The initiatives are designed to promote regenerative and experiential tourism, while building awareness among youth about Goa’s natural and cultural heritage.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, said:

“Through activities like today’s Electric Cycle Tour and Bread-Making Experience, we want to engage the youth in authentic experiences and instill in them a sense of ownership towards Goa’s heritage, ecology and traditions. This aligns with our vision to make Goa a model for regenerative tourism.”

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added:

“These hands-on programmes are more than just excursions; they are an educational journey for students, sensitising them to sustainability, local livelihoods and community engagement.”

The Electric Cycle Tour at Chorao offered students an opportunity to explore Goa’s ecology, biodiversity, and village landscapes in a sustainable manner. Meanwhile, the Life of Pao Bread-Making Experience immersed them in Goa’s culinary traditions, teaching them the cultural significance and heritage of the iconic Goan bread.

With the participation of colleges and schools through the Yuva Tourism Club, these initiatives are shaping the next generation of responsible travellers who appreciate the importance of sustainability, community, and cultural preservation.

The Department of Tourism will continue hosting a series of programs throughout September, leading up to special events and grand celebrations on World Tourism Day 2025.

Travel

Goa Honoured with ‘The Week’s Special Editorial Award’ for Promoting Tourism through Festivals

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Goa was conferred with the Special Editorial Award for ‘Promoting Tourism through Festivals’ by The Week. The recognition underscores the state’s commitment to promoting its vibrant cultural heritage and rich festival traditions as a cornerstone of its tourism strategy. Goa has long been celebrated for its beautiful beaches, but this award shines a light on the state’s efforts to go beyond its coastal appeal and establish itself as a dynamic cultural destination.

The award recognizes the role of festivals—spanning traditional, religious, and community-based events—in enriching the visitor experience and adding a unique dimension to Goa’s tourism offerings. From carnival parades to spiritual celebrations, Goa’s diverse cultural calendar has become an essential part of the state’s identity.

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, expressed pride in the recognition, stating, “This award highlights the collective efforts of the Department of Tourism and the people of Goa in promoting Goa’s unique identity through its festivals.” His remarks emphasize the collaborative spirit between the government and the community in positioning Goa as a culturally rich and welcoming destination.

Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, also acknowledged the honour, saying, “We were deeply honoured that Goa was recognised by The Week for its commitment to promoting tourism through festivals. Our festivals reflected the diversity, unity, and cultural richness of the state. This recognition reinforced our vision of taking Goa beyond beaches. Such acknowledgements inspired us to continue creating avenues where culture and tourism work together for the benefit of our people and visitors alike.”

This recognition from The Week not only validates the innovative approach taken by Goa Tourism but also sets a precedent for other regions looking to integrate cultural preservation with sustainable tourism development. As Goa continues to evolve as a cultural hub, its festivals remain a powerful expression of its heritage and a meaningful way to connect with both residents and travellers from across the globe.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

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.