Tag: Sustainable 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 Sees Near-Full Hotel Occupancy as New Year Begins on a High Tourism Note

allycaralgoa

Panjim | January 29, 2026

Written by Alisha Fernandes || Allycaral

Goa has ushered in the New Year on a robust tourism footing, with hotels across the State reporting near-full to full occupancy, reaffirming its position as one of India’s most preferred travel destinations. The strong performance during the New Year period highlights sustained demand and sets a positive tone for the tourism sector in the months ahead.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, said the encouraging figures reflect the success of the State’s focused and long-term tourism strategy.
“The strong hotel occupancy witnessed at the start of the New Year reflects the success of our focused approach towards quality tourism. Our emphasis has been on diversifying tourism experiences, improving infrastructure, and promoting responsible and regenerative tourism practices. This growth is not just about numbers, but about creating meaningful economic opportunities for local communities while ensuring long-term sustainability of the destination,” he stated.

The impressive occupancy levels are attributed to consistent efforts aimed at enhancing destination readiness, improving connectivity, and positioning Goa as a year-round tourism destination. Visitors arriving during the New Year period showed growing interest beyond the beaches, exploring cultural, wellness, spiritual, and hinterland tourism experiences — leading to a more balanced tourism footprint across the State.

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, noted that the New Year response validates the evolving direction of Goa’s tourism ecosystem.
“The encouraging occupancy levels are a direct outcome of strategic planning, destination preparedness, and continuous engagement with stakeholders. Goa’s tourism ecosystem is evolving with a focus on experiences beyond the beaches, and the New Year response clearly validates this direction,” he said.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the strong start to the year, observing increased confidence among travellers and tour operators. The surge in arrivals has also generated a positive ripple effect across allied sectors including transport services, restaurants, homestays, and local businesses, strengthening the overall tourism economy.

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Jack Sukhija, President, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), said, “The New Year has commenced on an extremely positive note for Goa’s tourism sector, with hotel occupancies touching very high levels across categories. This clearly indicates sustained demand and renewed confidence among travellers.”

With the Department of Tourism continuing to work closely with industry partners to ensure safe, seamless, and high-quality visitor experiences, Goa’s tourism sector appears well-positioned for steady, inclusive, and sustainable growth in 2026.

Human Interest

GTDC Launches Calendar and Diary 2026, Showcasing Goa’s Tourism, Heritage and Experiences

allycaralgoa

Panaji; December 30, 2025: The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) launched its Calendar and Diary for the year 2026 at a function held at Paryatan Bhavan, marking a renewed effort to visually showcase Goa’s rich tourism landscape, heritage, and experiences.

The Calendar and Diary were unveiled by Hon’ble Chairman, GTDC, Shri Kedar J. Naik, in the presence of General Manager (Marketing), GTDC, Shri Gavin Dias, and Deputy General Manager (Marketing), GTDC, Shri Deepak Narvekar. The event was attended by Deputy General Manager (Administration) Shri Sandeep Gawas, Deputy General Manager (Finance) Shri Kundan Naik, Senior Managers Shri Vishesh Naik, Shri Pravin Phaldesai, and Shri Prasad Kavlekar, along with other officials of GTDC. The programme was compered by Shri Deepak Narvekar.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Kedar J. Naik said that the New Year symbolises new hopes and resolutions, and calendars and diaries continue to remain relevant in everyday life. He noted that GTDC has revived the Calendar and Diary after a gap of ten years, with the objective of taking them house to house, promoting Goa’s hinterlands and lesser-known tourism destinations beyond established circuits. He encouraged the GTDC team to continue working with dedication to strengthen tourism outreach and promotion.

Managing Director, GTDC, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, stated that the Calendar and Diary serve as effective tools to promote Goa’s tourism experiences while reinforcing GTDC’s branding initiatives, with a clear focus on the State’s diverse offerings.

General Manager, GTDC, Shri Gavin Dias, highlighted that the Calendar and Diary are designed to promote Goa’s hinterlands, introduce new tourism services, and act as meaningful takeaways for visitors. He added that branding and marketing continue to remain key focus areas for the Corporation.

The GTDC Calendar and Diary 2026 aim to build brand GTDC and reinforce its role in promoting Goa as a premier tourism destination, with emphasis on GTDC hotels, events, new tourism services, local traditions, and sustainability, aligning strongly with the “Goa Beyond Beaches” initiative.

Social

Goa Tourism Department Acts Swiftly to Restore Cleanliness at North Goa Beaches

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, acted promptly upon receiving reports of garbage accumulation along a stretch of beach in North Goa, ensuring immediate clearance of the affected area and restoration of cleanliness. The swift response reflects the Department’s zero-tolerance stance on littering and its continued commitment to maintaining Goa’s beaches as clean, safe, and welcoming spaces for both visitors and local communities.

Upon identification of the issue, ground teams were mobilised without delay, working in coordination with the concerned agencies to thoroughly clean the area. The Department also reinforced instructions with relevant stakeholders to ensure strict adherence to waste management protocols and sustained cleanliness across beach stretches.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, reiterated the government’s focus on responsible tourism, stating that clean beaches are integral to Goa’s identity as a world-class tourism destination and that any lapse is addressed with urgency. He emphasised that continuous collaboration with stakeholders remains key to preserving the coastline in an environmentally responsible manner.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik echoed these views, highlighting that the Department remains vigilant in monitoring beach cleanliness. He stressed that proactive action, cooperation from stakeholders, and consistent awareness efforts are essential to maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and environmental care along Goa’s beaches.

Appreciating the timely intervention, Shri Cruz Cardozo, President of the Shack Owners’ Welfare Society, Goa, expressed gratitude to the Department for its swift and effective response. He noted that such prompt action not only restores the natural beauty of Goa’s beaches but also strengthens the confidence of shack operators and local stakeholders in the Department’s leadership and management.

The Department of Tourism has once again appealed to shack operators, vendors, and visitors to responsibly manage waste and actively support cleanliness initiatives. Regular monitoring and enforcement measures will continue as part of Goa’s broader commitment to sustainable and regenerative tourism.

Travel

Goa Tourism Showcases Future-Ready Vision at QTM 2025 with Grand Pavilion Inauguration

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Goa Tourism marked a significant milestone at the Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) 2025 with the inauguration of its pavilion by Mr. Vipul, IFS, Indian Ambassador to Qatar, in the presence of Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik, GTDC General Manager (Marketing) Mr. Gavin Dias, and other dignitaries. The event highlighted Goa’s focused global outreach and its commitment to positioning itself as a premium destination aligned with emerging travel trends.

Speaking at the inauguration, Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte emphasized that Goa has entered a transformative phase where sustainability, community empowerment, and experiential tourism are central drivers of growth. He stated that the State’s participation in QTM 2025 strengthens its connection with one of its most important international markets and reinforces its ambition to diversify Goa’s tourism portfolio across leisure, wellness, weddings, adventure, and film tourism. His remarks underscored Goa’s vision of delivering high-quality, responsible, and innovative tourism experiences that match global expectations.

Echoing this vision, Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik highlighted that QTM 2025 provides a valuable opportunity to present Goa beyond its popular coastline by showcasing regenerative tourism models, upgraded infrastructure, and curated visitor experiences designed for authenticity and quality. The interactions on the opening day demonstrated strong international interest in Goa as a multifaceted destination capable of offering memorable and meaningful experiences.

The pavilion presented a refreshed narrative of Goa’s tourism landscape, displaying new and evolving offerings shaped by global travel trends. Visitors were introduced to the State’s strengthened focus on regenerative tourism, community-led initiatives, and improved visitor infrastructure, along with emerging verticals such as nocto tourism, jet-setting through film and screen tourism, and calming wellness-oriented “calmcations.” The State’s expanding portfolio reflects its long-term commitment to sustainable development and experience-driven travel.

Throughout the day, the Goa pavilion witnessed enthusiastic participation from travel trade professionals, international tour operators, media delegates, and industry buyers. Conversations revolved around infrastructure advancements, digital tourism innovations, heritage conservation projects, and community-driven tourism circuits that aim to create meaningful impact for both travellers and local communities.

The opening day concluded on an optimistic note, reinforcing Goa Tourism’s strong presence at QTM 2025. With a future-ready vision and a comprehensive tourism offering, the Goa delegation is set to continue its engagements over the next two days, deepening partnerships and strengthening the State’s global position as a diverse, responsible, and world-class travel destination.