Tag: Sustainable Tourism

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St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa Hosts X’plorateur 2025: A Regenerative Vision for Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

In a celebration of innovation, sustainability, and student excellence, the Department of BBA (Travel & Tourism) at St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, hosted its national-level event X’plorateur 2025 on September 26th and 27th. Timed to align with World Tourism Day, the two-day program was guided by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” and inspired by the college’s own vision, “A Regenerative Vision for Goa.”

The event served as a platform for students to explore how tourism can not only be sustainable but regenerative — restoring and preserving Goa’s ecological and cultural wealth. The inaugural ceremony was attended by dignitaries from the college along with Chief Guest Mr. Pifran Fernandes, Owner of Tree House Goa. The program featured cultural performances, a magazine launch, and inspiring talks that highlighted the need for tourism models that go beyond conservation and actively improve the communities and environments they touch.

Over the course of two days, student teams from Goa and Karnataka participated in a wide array of activities designed to test creativity, knowledge, and teamwork — all centered around sustainable tourism. The competitions included quizzes, debates, business pitch contests, eco-painting, stress challenges, and a fashion show that celebrated eco-conscious design and storytelling.

The event concluded with a thrilling award ceremony where Team Desert Dynamos from KLE College of Business Administration, Hubli, Karnataka, were crowned Overall Champions. The Runners-up title went to Team Moonlight Mavericks from Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College of Commerce & Economics, Goa. The level of creativity, critical thinking, and passion displayed throughout the event underscored the deep commitment of young minds to shape a more responsible future for tourism in India.

X’plorateur 2025 not only brought academic communities together but also reaffirmed the role of educational institutions in leading the charge toward a tourism industry that regenerates — rather than depletes — the places we cherish most.

Travel

Goa Tourism Moves to Regulate and Standardize Water Sports Operations

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa Tourism has taken a major step forward in regulating and streamlining water sports operations across the State. At a high-level meeting held in Panjim on October 10, 2025, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte engaged with key stakeholders including the Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik, Deputy Director Smt Diksha Tari, Captain of Ports Shri Octavio Rodrigues, and representatives of the Water Sports Association of Goa to discuss a cohesive plan for the upcoming tourism season.

The meeting primarily addressed long-standing concerns around lack of standardization in pricing, the need for clearly branded kiosks, and the pressing issue of illegal water sports operations. The Department of Tourism has committed to introducing a uniform rate structure that will apply across all Goan beaches, bringing in much-needed transparency and consistency for tourists and operators alike.

Hon’ble Minister Rohan Khaunte emphasized that water sports are a major draw for visitors and it is essential to offer them a safe, fair, and high-quality experience. He also assured the traditional Goan operators that their legacy and contributions to the industry will be safeguarded, positioning them as key partners in the effort to elevate Goa’s tourism standards.

The Minister also highlighted plans for a forthcoming joint meeting that will include coastal MLAs, enforcement agencies, and other relevant departments to build consensus and implement stringent measures against unauthorized ticketing and unlicensed operations that disrupt the integrity of the tourism sector.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik echoed the importance of enforcement and inter-departmental coordination. He noted that uniform kiosk branding and regulated pricing will not only improve service quality but also enhance the image of Goa as a premium coastal destination. He reassured registered operators of the Department’s continued support in protecting their interests and ensuring fair competition.

The Water Sports Association of Goa welcomed the initiative and thanked the Department for its proactive approach. The Association noted that a regulated rate structure would protect operators from being undercut by illegal players and would also ensure that tourists are not misled or overcharged by unauthorized agents.

In conclusion, the Department confirmed that once the uniform rate structure is gazetted, operations will resume across major beaches in a more regulated and transparent fashion. Coordination with the Captain of Ports will be strengthened to ensure that only licensed operators are permitted to conduct activities.

This initiative marks a significant stride in improving the standards of coastal tourism in Goa. By enforcing discipline and supporting genuine operators, the Government is working to ensure that visitors to Goa enjoy safe, memorable, and trustworthy experiences — further reinforcing the State’s reputation as India’s premier beach tourism destination.

Travel

Goa Unveils Four Landmark Tourism Projects with Visionary Push Toward Sustainable Growth

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa marked a monumental day in its tourism evolution with the foundation stone laying of four landmark projects aimed at transforming the state’s tourism offerings through sustainability, culture, and community empowerment. The ceremony was graced by Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, and Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte.

The projects include the Town Square at Porvorim, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum at Farmagudi, PM Ekta Mall at Chimbel, and the Eco-Tourism Project at Harvalem. Each initiative has been designed to add depth to Goa’s tourism identity — extending beyond beaches and nightlife, and into heritage, nature, craftsmanship, and inclusive growth.

The Town Square at Porvorim is envisioned as an urban community hub, integrating green spaces, walking trails, amphitheatres, and recreational zones. It serves both locals and visitors as a smart leisure space and a model for community-centric urban tourism.

At Farmagudi, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum will pay tribute to the legendary Maratha warrior. Through interactive exhibitions and immersive storytelling, the museum will highlight the cultural, maritime, and historical legacy of the Konkan coast, enhancing Goa’s cultural tourism map.

The PM Ekta Mall in Chimbel, developed under the Government of India’s Unity Mall scheme, is a ₹200 crore initiative that promotes “One District, One Product.” It will serve as a national platform for artisans, local producers, and self-help groups to connect directly with consumers, facilitating cultural exchange and entrepreneurship.

Harvalem, known for its natural beauty, will now house an eco-tourism project that promotes sustainability through eco-trails, interpretation centres, and infrastructure built with minimal environmental impact. It reflects Goa’s ongoing commitment to regenerative tourism, preserving biodiversity while offering rich experiences for conscious travellers.

Speaking at the event, Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah praised the vision behind the projects, saying they strike the perfect balance between tourism development, cultural preservation, and ecological protection. CM Dr. Pramod Sawant reiterated that these initiatives represent Goa’s resolve to build world-class infrastructure that empowers both people and the economy.

Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte emphasized the state’s shift from season-dependent tourism to a year-round experiential model that connects visitors with Goa’s deeper identity. These projects, he noted, are a testament to Goa’s determination to create a tourism future that is inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive.

As foundation stones are laid today, a stronger, more diverse, and future-ready Goa begins to take shape.

Travel

Goa to Spotlight Culture, Wellness & Sustainability at ITB Asia 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa, October 2025 – The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, will participate in ITB Asia 2025, Asia’s leading B2B travel trade show, taking place from 15–17 October 2025 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. This strategic participation underlines Goa’s commitment to promoting itself as a destination that offers more than leisure — focusing on authentic, meaningful, and sustainable travel experiences.

At the global event, Goa Tourism will unveil its evolving tourism model that prioritizes cultural richness, spiritual depth, ecological responsibility, and community empowerment. Key offerings at the Goa Pavilion will include immersive experiences in spiritual tourism circuits, heritage trails showcasing Indo-Portuguese architecture and living traditions, and wellness tourism rooted in yoga and holistic healing.

Joining the tourism delegation, the Goa Forest Department will present Goa’s exceptional natural wealth — including wildlife sanctuaries, biodiversity hotspots, and nature-based experiences like immersive zoos and conservation-led ecotourism. The aim is to position Goa not just as a destination, but as an ecosystem where nature, culture, and community harmoniously coexist.

The pavilion will also spotlight festivals, rural tourism initiatives, and projects that directly engage local communities and support environmental preservation. These are designed to align with Goa’s broader vision of regenerative tourism — where tourism contributes positively to the places and people it touches.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, noted that Goa is entering a new chapter in its tourism story. “At ITB Asia 2025, we aim to build meaningful global partnerships and showcase Goa as a forward-thinking destination with upgraded infrastructure, safer travel environments, and diverse experiences rooted in our identity,” he said.

Echoing the sentiment, Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, emphasized the value of connecting with a global audience: “Our presence at ITB Asia is about presenting Goa as a place where heritage, nature, and community come together to create enriching journeys.”

Goa’s participation at ITB Asia 2025 is not just promotional — it’s transformational. It marks the state’s efforts to strengthen international partnerships, access new markets, and showcase a tourism model that is future-ready, inclusive, and globally relevant. From local culture to conservation, the Goa Pavilion will offer a complete picture of what responsible and regenerative travel can look like in one of India’s most beloved destinations.

Travel

Goa Tourism Celebrates World Tourism Day 2025 with Grand Stakeholders’ Meet and Felicitations

Tanisha Cardozo

On September 27, 2025, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in association with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) and SKAL International Goa, marked the culmination of month-long World Tourism Day celebrations with the largest-ever Tourism Stakeholders’ Meet at Grand Hyatt Goa. The event brought together key leaders from the government, tourism industry, academia, influencers, and community-based tourism networks for a day of reflection, recognition, and renewed vision.

The Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, delivered a powerful address underlining the essential ecosystem that powers Goa’s tourism — from entrepreneurs and hoteliers to drivers, lifeguards, fishermen, and culinary professionals. Highlighting this year’s theme, he spoke about tourism not just as a business, but as a cultural expression and a shared identity that weaves together stories of the past and aspirations for the future. Emphasizing that Goa is more than just a beach destination, he reiterated the government’s commitment to making Goa a year-round, sustainable, and inclusive destination through initiatives like Unity Mall, Porvorim Town Square, and the Shivaji Maharaja Digital Museum under the Swadesh Darshan program.

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, further emphasized that the recognitions awarded on this day were not merely about individual accomplishments but were a celebration of the collective energy that drives Goa’s tourism forward. From students and professionals to influencers and tourism clubs, each individual recognized reflects Goa’s future as a regenerative tourism hub.

The prestigious Shri Vincent Ramos Scholarship was awarded to two meritorious students from the Institute of Hotel Management — Mackenzee Vas and Caitlyn Rosanne Mascarenhas — in the presence of Smt. Deena Ramos, honoring the late visionary’s legacy. Felicitations were also extended to Shri Pele and Shri Parag Ragnekar for their invaluable contributions to Goa Tourism. Noted influencers Smt. Scarlet M. Rose and Shri Moses J. Saldanha were recognized for their unique role in amplifying Goa’s tourism narrative. Additional appreciation was given to Smt. Shishti Sudin Prabhu Desai, Smt. Ashrafi Shetdesai Gaikwad, and Shri Viraj Phadte for their outstanding support.

Youth Tourism Clubs played a pivotal role in the celebrations, and their achievements were recognized through awards to Shri Shail Sawkar of Sridora Caculo College, Smt. Lisa Dias of IHM-Goa, and Dr. Kiran Gaude of P.E.S. Ravi S. Naik College.

The World Tourism Day celebrations will officially conclude with a Grand Finale one-day Film Festival at the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), featuring films that celebrate Goa’s rich cultural and natural heritage. These efforts, led by the Department of Tourism, serve to amplify Goa’s broader vision of “Goa Beyond Beaches,” where tourism becomes a tool for storytelling, regeneration, and inclusive growth.

As stakeholders converged across disciplines and interests, the spirit of collaboration and gratitude defined the day — reinforcing Goa’s role as a global tourism leader embracing innovation, sustainability, and culture.