Tag: Spiritual Tourism

TechPulse

DITE&C and ITG Transform Canacona’s Digital Landscape with 100+ WiFi Hotspots, 240 CCTV Cameras and Enhanced 5G Connectivity

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

DITE&C, in partnership with Infotech Corporation of Goa Ltd (ITG), has taken a significant step toward enhancing Canacona’s digital infrastructure with the rollout of over 100 WiFi access points, more than 240 CCTV cameras and strengthened 5G mobile coverage at Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math.

The project, inaugurated on November 27, 2025, reflects the Goa Government’s commitment to building a resilient digital ecosystem under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant. The launch ceremony was graced by His Holiness, Paramapoojya Shreemad Vidyadheesh Teerth Shreepad Vader Swamiji, along with Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications Shri Rohan Khaunte and senior dignitaries from DITE&C and ITG. Canacona already enjoyed 5G services from Jio and BSNL, and with the addition of Airtel (Indus Towers) around the Math premises, mobile connectivity has been further strengthened, enhancing access for residents, devotees and the growing number of visitors who arrive to witness the revered 77-foot bronze idol.

Swamiji expressed gratitude to the Goa Government for ensuring digital readiness ahead of the grand celebrations, highlighting the importance of extending digital infrastructure to rural communities. Minister Rohan Khaunte emphasized that the deployment reinforces the state’s long-term digital vision and will continue benefiting the area well beyond the celebrations. Of the 100+ WiFi hotspots installed, 57 are permanent and designed to deliver speeds up to 10Gbps with seamless login via SMS or WhatsApp.

Similarly, the installation of 240 CCTV cameras, including AI-enabled units capable of monitoring headcounts and identifying habitual offenders with police-provided data, ensures a robust security ecosystem. Eighty of these cameras are permanent fixtures, supporting continuous surveillance and crowd management throughout the year.

This initiative marks another milestone in DITE&C’s mission to expand reliable digital services across Goa, ensuring that even rural regions and high-footfall spiritual destinations benefit from modern connectivity and safety solutions.







Events in Goa

Goa Illuminates with Tradition and Devotion at Tripurari Poornima Celebration in Sanquelim

Tanisha Cardozo

Vithalapur in Sanquelim transformed into a glowing canvas of devotion, colour, and cultural splendour as Goa celebrated Tripurari Poornima 2025. The annual festival, jointly organised by the Department of Tourism, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), Department of Art and Culture, and Department of Information and Publicity, drew immense participation from local communities, artists, and visitors from across India and beyond.

The festivities began with a sacred procession dedicated to Lord Shrikrishna, followed by the graceful Palkhi of Shree Vitthal Rakhumai, filling the air with devotional fervour. Cultural performances portraying Goa’s folk traditions received resounding applause, as dancers and musicians showcased the state’s vibrant artistic identity.

The evening’s highlight, the traditional Boat Show, illuminated the waters with dazzling, artistically crafted boats, symbolising Goa’s deep connection with its rivers and maritime heritage. The captivating reenactment of ‘Tripurasur Vadh’ brought to life the sacred legend of the festival, followed by the release of ‘Saranga’ that lit up the night sky in a breathtaking spectacle.

Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, addressing the gathering, praised the community for preserving Goa’s traditions through creativity and devotion. He announced that the top three winning boats will be preserved and displayed at cultural venues such as Ravindra Bhavan and Kala Academy, offering visitors a glimpse of Goa’s unique craftsmanship. He further encouraged youth involvement in culture, innovation, and research as part of Goa’s vision for Viksit Bharat @2047 and Viksit Goa @2037.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted how Tripurari Poornima enriches Goa’s tourism offerings by connecting travellers to the state’s riverine heritage and spiritual essence. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting authentic, community-driven cultural experiences.

Other dignitaries, including Dr. Premendra Shet, Shri Kedar J. Naik, and Dr. Chandrakant Shetye, lauded the festival’s role in uniting communities and uplifting local talent. The GTDC enhanced the site’s beauty through art and aesthetic improvements, ensuring a welcoming and immersive ambience for visitors.

The Department of Information and Publicity also set up an exhibition showcasing Goa’s infrastructure achievements and cultural milestones, adding depth to the visitor experience.

Tripurari Poornima 2025 stood as a shining testament to Goa’s rich traditions, spiritual depth, and collective pride. With every illuminated boat, every song, and every smile, the festival reaffirmed that Goa’s cultural spirit continues to inspire joy, unity, and creativity for generations to come.

Travel

Goa to Spotlight Regenerative Tourism & “Feels Like Goa” Campaign at WTM London 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa is set to make a powerful impression on the global tourism map as it participates in World Travel Market (WTM) London 2025, from 4th to 6th November. The Department of Tourism will unveil two key narratives: the state’s Regenerative Tourism model, and its deeply emotional, year-end campaign, “Feels Like Goa.”

Unlike traditional promotional strategies, Goa’s approach this year is rooted in its people, culture, and environment. As India’s first state to formally adopt Regenerative Tourism, Goa aims not just to preserve but to actively restore ecosystems, empower local communities, and celebrate its unique spiritual and cultural heritage. This vision is guided by four foundational pillars—People, Community, Environment, and Economy—with a strong commitment to ensuring that tourism benefits everyone, not just economically, but emotionally and culturally as well.

The “Feels Like Goa” campaign is more than marketing—it’s a heartfelt call to travelers to reconnect with the emotions, nostalgia, and magic that make Goa unforgettable. From village feasts and soulful sunsets to the vibrant end-of-year celebrations that define Goa’s festive spirit, the campaign captures what it truly means to experience the state. It reminds global audiences that Goa is not just a location—it’s a feeling of belonging, warmth, and discovery.

At WTM London, the focus will also be on Goa Beyond Beaches—an invitation to discover the lesser-known spiritual trails, heritage circuits, hinterland escapes, and vibrant cultural festivals that lie beyond the coast. Initiatives like the Ekadasha Teertha Circuit aim to draw attention to Goa’s deep spiritual roots while ensuring that local communities are central to the tourism economy.

Culinary tourism will also take centre stage, highlighting Goa’s diverse and storied food culture. With influences from Hindu, Portuguese, Saraswat, and tribal traditions, Goan cuisine reflects centuries of cultural exchange. Visitors will be invited to explore Goa’s rich flavours through curated culinary trails, traditional feasts, and modern interpretations that continue to evolve.

The state’s vision includes robust plans for the future—investing in community-led tourism enterprises, supporting women and youth empowerment, promoting sustainable infrastructure, and nurturing biodiversity. New projects such as the Unity Mall, Porvorim Town Square, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum are set to enhance Goa’s position as a multi-dimensional tourism destination.

As Goa prepares for the final months of 2025, its participation at WTM London represents a new chapter in how the state defines and shares its identity with the world. This is a tourism model that regenerates, uplifts, and inspires—not only delivering memorable experiences to travelers, but ensuring that every visit contributes positively to Goa’s people and its future.

At WTM London 2025, Goa invites the world to go beyond the beaches, to taste its cuisine, walk its spiritual paths, explore its living traditions, and above all—feel like Goa.

Travel

Goa Unveils Bold Regenerative Tourism Vision at National Tourism Ministers’ Conference 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa presented a bold, regenerative tourism roadmap at the National Tourism Ministers’ Conference held in Udaipur on 14th and 15th October 2025. Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, led the delegation, accompanied by Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, and Shri Shawn Mendes, OSD to the Minister. The event, hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, brought together top tourism officials from across the country to align national and state-level strategies for transforming India into a leading global tourism destination.

Shri Rohan A. Khaunte emphasized that Goa’s tourism strategy is grounded in regenerative principles—prioritizing economic growth, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. He shared that the 2025–26 season has begun on a strong note with increased international charter connectivity and the unveiling of major destination development projects designed to position Goa as a future-ready, experience-driven destination.

Two flagship projects were the highlight of Goa’s presentation: the Mega Performance Arena in Mandrem (Pernem) and the Lord Parshuram Statue & Museum, part of the Lifescape Project in Loliem (Canacona). The arena, a 20,000-seater world-class venue, will serve as a northern gateway for hosting international-scale events, cultural shows, and conventions. Meanwhile, the Parshuram project will become a landmark for cultural, spiritual, and immersive tourism in South Goa, reflecting Goa’s focus on “Goa Beyond Beaches.”

Shri Kedar Naik shared that Goa’s tourism transformation is built on inclusive growth, tech-enabled safety, and a visitor-first philosophy rooted in “Atithi Devo Bhava.” The state’s approach integrates infrastructure, heritage conservation, and cutting-edge digital solutions to enhance the tourist experience. Both the highlighted projects are expected to bring significant community benefits, including employment generation and cultural revival.

The conference also featured discussions on the Integrated Tourism Promotion Scheme, Performance Linked Incentives (PLI), and the development of 50 tourism destinations across India. Goa’s representation aligned closely with these frameworks, with its seven-pillar tourism diversification plan, encompassing eco-tourism, cultural heritage, MICE, adventure, leisure, wellness, and medical tourism.

In a significant update, Shri Khaunte also announced strengthened international air connectivity. Goa has witnessed the arrival of the first charter flight of the season, along with new weekly flights from Novosibirsk to MOPA. Aeroflot now operates nine weekly flights from Moscow, Yekaterinburg, and Novosibirsk, solidifying Goa’s growing presence in the Russian market. Starting 25th October, charter flights from Kazakhstan will further diversify inbound tourism sources.

With its strategic direction, Goa is poised to emerge as a national leader in sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism. Its participation in the National Tourism Ministers’ Conference reaffirmed its commitment to being a collaborative and visionary stakeholder in shaping the future of Indian 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.