In a collaborative move to transform India’s tourism and hospitality landscape, NITI Aayog, in association with the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), has released a forward-looking report titled “Rethinking Homestays: Navigating Policy Pathways.” The report was formally launched by Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, in the presence of Shri Yugal Kishore Joshi, Programme Director at NITI Aayog, and senior representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, and tourism officials from Goa, Kerala, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. From Goa, Shri Vikas Kamble, Deputy Resident Commissioner, Goa Sadan, participated in the event.
The report lays out a strategic roadmap to unlock the full potential of the homestay and BnB sector in India. Emphasizing their value as more than just accommodation, the report positions homestays as enablers of culturally immersive travel experiences, economic empowerment for local communities, and sustainable development across regions. It advocates for policy approaches that are enabling rather than restrictive—calling for transparent, light-touch regulations that ensure safety and accountability while preserving the charm and individuality of local homes and communities.
This approach aligns with broader goals of inclusive growth, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, where homestays can generate employment, promote entrepreneurship, and create new revenue streams without large-scale infrastructure investments. The participation of key tourism states underscores a growing consensus that homestays are central to the next chapter of India’s tourism strategy—blending culture, community, and commerce.
By championing locally rooted experiences and fostering small-scale hospitality enterprises, the report envisions a future where India’s tourism is not just globally competitive but also deeply connected to its heritage and people.
Panaji, August 11, 2025 – The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, made an impactful appearance at the Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) Mumbai 2025, held from 11th to 13th August at the Jio World Convention Centre. Goa’s presence focused on the state’s growing commitment to Regenerative Tourism, drawing attention from dignitaries, industry leaders, and visitors alike.
At its dedicated pavilion, Goa Tourism showcased a series of community-driven tourism models that go beyond traditional sightseeing to actively benefit local communities and ecosystems.
Highlights included:
Heritage village trails celebrating Goa’s rich history
Hinterland tourism that supports rural communities
Local artisan displays and cultural performances
Culinary showcases featuring traditional Goan fare
Visitors experienced immersive displays, learned about responsible travel options, and explored new year-round tourism possibilities that combine discovery with sustainability.
🗣️ Leadership Speaks
Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, noted:
“TTF Mumbai is a valuable platform for Goa to present itself as a year-round destination rooted in regenerative and inclusive tourism. We are shifting from mass tourism to meaningful travel that supports nature and people.”
Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, added:
“Goa’s tourism narrative now includes offbeat trails and heritage-rich experiences that invite travellers to go beyond the beaches and contribute positively to local economies.”
🤝 Dignitary Interactions & Industry Engagement
Smt. Diya Kumari, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, visited the Goa Tourism pavilion and interacted with officials including:
Shri Rajesh Kale, Deputy Director, Department of Tourism
The delegation also engaged with leading travel operators, tourism boards, and media representatives to explore partnerships that amplify Goa’s responsible travel message across the domestic market.
🌍 A New Chapter for Goa Tourism
By highlighting regenerative, cultural, and inclusive travel experiences, Goa Tourism is opening a new chapter that appeals to modern, conscious travellers. The state is reaffirming its status as not just a destination of beauty, but of depth, diversity, and enduring value.
🗓️ Event: TTF Mumbai 2025 📍 Location: Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai 🗓️ Dates: 11th – 13th August 2025
Panjim, 2nd August 2025 – The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, concluded its participation at the Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) Ahmedabad 2025 on a high note, receiving the Excellence Award for the Special Campaign on ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’. The recognition was presented at the Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar, where the event was held from 31st July to 2nd August 2025.
Led by Shri Pravinkumar Faldessai, Senior Manager, GTDC, along with Smt. Concy Pereira, Asst. Tourism Officer, and Smt. Isabelinda Vaz, Information Assistant, the Goa delegation engaged extensively with travel agents, tour operators, and media partners throughout the three-day event.
Commenting on the achievement, Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, said “We are honoured to receive this recognition at TTF Ahmedabad 2025. The ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’ campaign is part of our mission to create a more inclusive, responsible, and diversified tourism experience. This award validates our ongoing efforts to make Goa a 12-month destination anchored in sustainability, culture, and community participation.”
This accolade reflects Goa Tourism’s strategic efforts to reposition the state as a destination that offers more than just sun and sand. The award celebrates the Department’s continued commitment to regenerative tourism, highlighting experiences that span heritage, hinterlands, culture, festivals, and community-led initiatives.
The Goa Pavilion drew significant attention for its immersive storytelling, featuring curated themes around wellness and Ayurveda, spiritual tourism, adventure and monsoon travel, and community-based rural experiences. The display also spotlighted Goa’s vibrant festival calendar, from Chikhal Kalo and Sao Joao to Shigmo, Spirit of Goa, and Carnaval, all of which are attracting experiential travellers from across India.
The Department’s presence at TTF Ahmedabad forms part of its broader outreach strategy to reinforce Goa’s position as a future-ready destination that blends tradition with innovation.
Nestled deep within the lush hills of Meghalaya, the tiny village of Mawsynram—renowned as the wettest place on Earth—is poised to become a global tourism marvel with the announcement of the world’s first Rain Museum.
The museum, with an allocated budget of ₹35 crore, will blend science, culture, and sensory experience to redefine how travelers engage with nature. Announced by Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, tenders are now open, and construction is expected to begin after the monsoon season subsides.
A Museum Like No Other
The Rain Museum will feature:
Immersive rain simulation zones that mimic the sound, feel, and rhythm of monsoon rainfall
Interactive exhibits on meteorology and local folklore
Traditional Khasi culture displays, showcasing the heritage of the region
State-of-the-art weather research facilities, with collaborations expected from ISRO and the India Meteorological Department (IMD)
This initiative aims to reimagine tourism in the Northeast, offering not just sightseeing, but a deep sensory and educational dive into one of nature’s most enchanting phenomena—rain.
More Than a Museum
Beyond the museum walls, Mawsynram offers:
Limestone caves waiting to be explored
Rain-fed waterfalls that cascade with wild grace
Trekking routes through mystical green hills
Khasi culinary and cultural experiences that highlight the warm hospitality of the region
Tourism Minister Lyngdoh emphasized the need to transform Meghalaya’s natural abundance into immersive experiences that attract responsible global tourists. “This museum will be a symbol of how nature, tradition, and technology can come together,” he said.
What’s Next?
Construction is slated to begin post-monsoon 2025, with the aim of opening doors by late 2026. As the world looks for sustainable, experiential travel, Mawsynram’s Rain Museum is set to become a bucket-list destination for nature lovers, culture seekers, and curious minds alike.
Goa’s tourism sector is undergoing a defining transformation, one driven not just by government policy or infrastructure, but by the collective strength and shared vision of its stakeholders. In an increasingly competitive and dynamic travel landscape, the unity among hoteliers, restaurateurs, water sports operators, transport providers, and the Department of Tourism is laying the foundation for a more resilient, sustainable, and visitor-focused future.
The challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic tested every aspect of the tourism value chain. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Tourism adopted a focused and phased approach to revive the sector. Health and safety protocols were strengthened across establishments, awareness campaigns were rolled out to restore traveller confidence, and strategic collaborations with industry stakeholders were prioritised to ensure smooth reopening. Infrastructure upgrades, support for local businesses, and digital transformation were fast-tracked to adapt to new travel preferences. As a result, Goa was among the first destinations in India to witness a strong recovery in tourist footfalls, paving the way for more coordinated and quality-driven tourism development.
In the months and years that followed, stakeholders across the board began working more closely with the Department of Tourism to re-establish Goa’s standing as a premier tourist destination. Protocols were strengthened, services were reoriented, and an emphasis was placed on delivering authentic, safe, and meaningful visitor experiences.
A New Era of Coordination Today, the synergy between the public and private sectors is more visible than ever. The Department of Tourism has institutionalised regular consultation with key associations, ensuring that policy decisions are grounded in operational realities. In turn, industry stakeholders have responded with increased accountability and commitment to quality.
The post-pandemic phase ushered in a new model of collaboration between the Department of Tourism and various stakeholders across the industry. Regular stakeholder meetings, streamlined facilitation processes, and a unified response to emerging challenges have resulted in greater efficiency and preparedness across sectors. From event planning to infrastructure improvements and destination marketing, the partnership between the public and private sectors has strengthened significantly, ensuring that Goa’s tourism offerings are not only consistent and safe but also increasingly aligned with the evolving expectations of travellers.
Promotional campaigns now go beyond generic messaging. By focusing on local culture, heritage festivals, hinterland trails, and culinary narratives, the Department has successfully steered Goa’s brand toward depth and authenticity, resulting in higher year round engagement and more participative tourism.
“The Department’s thoughtful efforts in promoting Goa’s festivals, traditions, and local culture have significantly enhanced visitor engagement. These authentic and grounded narratives have sparked deeper interest among travellers. As a result, we’ve witnessed higher occupancies across both North and South Goa between May and June 2025, largely due to tourists seeking more participative and genuine experiences,” stated Mr. Ranjit Phillipose, Senior Vice president, Operations, IHCL Goa.
Shared Vision for the Future With the upcoming seasons in focus, tourism stakeholders are actively aligning their strategies with shared goals: diversifying tourism circuits, improving service delivery, and promoting Goa as a destination for all seasons. Whether it’s wellness, culture, spiritual tourism, or adventure, there’s a concerted effort to move beyond the beach and nightlife binary.
“We’ve witnessed a significant rise in tourist participation in watersports activities in the first half of 2025, and a lot of that can be attributed to the Department of Tourism’s focused efforts in promoting safe, well-regulated, and diverse experiences. More tourists are now looking for adventure-driven, memorable moments on our shores, and this surge in interest has motivated us to continually improve our offerings while ensuring safety and sustainability remain at the core.” said Mr. Savio D’Souza, Sea Royale Adventure Sport, Candolim.
A key area of collective attention is sustainability. Stakeholders are increasingly aware that growth must not come at the cost of Goa’s environment or communities. Eco-certifications, waste management, energy-efficient practices, and training for frontline staff are being integrated into everyday operations.
Sustainability has emerged as a core pillar of Goa’s tourism revival strategy in the post-pandemic era. Recognising the need to balance growth with long-term ecological and cultural preservation, the Department of Tourism has introduced initiatives that promote responsible travel, community engagement, and low-impact experiences. Homestays, hinterland trails, and heritage circuits are being promoted to distribute tourism more evenly and support local livelihoods.
Regenerative Tourism, focusing on restoring ecosystems and empowering communities, has become central to the State’s approach, ensuring that tourism not only sustains but also enriches Goa’s natural and cultural heritage.
Strength in Unity What was once a fragmented network of individual operators has now evolved into a coordinated ecosystem of partners with a shared sense of purpose. The cooperation witnessed today across the tourism sector in Goa is not only facilitating better outcomes for visitors, but also ensuring long-term benefits for local communities and the environment.
Mr. Jack Sukhija, TTAG President said “What we are witnessing today is a far more cohesive approach to tourism management in Goa. There is a visible shift from fragmented efforts to unified action, whether it is policy consultation, promotion, or on-ground execution. The Department of Tourism has made a conscious effort to involve stakeholders in the decision-making process, and that inclusivity is laying the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable future for Goa’s tourism industry.”
As Goa moves forward, one thing is clear, the strength of its tourism future lies in collective action. With stakeholders united, guided by a vision of quality, sustainability, and innovation, the State is well-positioned to lead the next wave of responsible and rewarding travel in India.
