In the realm of travel and lifestyle content creation, few names shine as brightly as Kevin Pinto. As the winner of the prestigious IFBA Travel Award 2024, Kevin’s passion for storytelling and showcasing the unexplored side of Goa has captivated audiences worldwide. We had the privilege of sitting down with Kevin to delve into his inspirations, favorite destinations, and tips for aspiring digital creators.
Kevin’s love affair with storytelling and creative work began with short films and freelance photography. As he delved deeper into the world of travel, he discovered the freedom to express himself through videos, leading to the inception of his Instagram handle, wander_with_kevin. Today, his platform has become a go-to destination for travel enthusiasts and foodies seeking to explore the hidden gems of Goa.
When asked about his favorite offbeat destinations in Goa, Kevin recommends exploring the lesser-known waterfalls in the hinterlands, such as the Kuskem Waterfall and Satrem Waterfall. He also emphasizes the importance of sustainable tourism, encouraging travelers to respect nature, promote eco-friendly stays, reduce plastic waste, and support local businesses.
Kevin’s creative process involves researching and planning his content in advance, focusing on capturing the essence of the moment, and editing his visuals to bring out the story. He actively engages with his audience by responding to comments and messages, asking for their travel experiences, and creating interactive content.
For those looking to build a brand in the travel niche, Kevin advises starting with authenticity, focusing on storytelling, and engaging with the audience. He emphasizes the importance of consistency, quality, and adaptability in the ever-changing world of social media.
As Kevin so eloquently puts it, “Goa is more than just a holiday destination; it’s a treasure trove of culture, food, and stories waiting to be explored.” He encourages travelers to explore with an open mind, respect the places they visit, and take back experiences, not just pictures.
Panaji, 11 February 2025 – The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, is set to host an exclusive tourism roadshow in Tokyo, Japan, on February 17, 2025 to promote the vibrant culture, unique experiences, and responsible travel opportunities in Goa. The event aims to strengthen Goa’s presence in the Japanese market and attract discerning travellers seeking authentic and enriching experiences.
The roadshow will bring together key stakeholders from Goa’s tourism sector, including hoteliers, travel operators, and destination management companies, to interact with the Japanese travel trade and media. It will highlight Goa’s rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches, culinary delights, eco-tourism initiatives, and its growing prominence in regenerative tourism.
The roadshow will focus on promoting key aspects of Goa’s tourism, including Regenerative Tourism, which emphasizes sustainable practices and community-based experiences that preserve the state’s natural and cultural heritage. It will also showcase Goa’s unique blend festivals, traditional crafts, and historical sites. The growing demand for Wellness Tourism will be highlighted through Goa’s wellness retreats, Ayurveda, yoga centres, and holistic healing experiences. Additionally, the roadshow will present Goa’s diverse Adventure and Nature offerings, inviting travellers to explore treks, waterfalls, spice plantations, birdwatching, and ecotourism hotspots beyond its famous beaches.
Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, said, “Goa has always been a sought-after destination for global travellers. This roadshow in Tokyo is an excellent opportunity to connect with the Japanese travel trade industry and showcase Goa’s diverse offerings while highlighting our commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation.”
Shri Kedar Naik, Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Goa stated, “Goa is a destination that offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, wellness, and adventure. Through this roadshow in Tokyo, we aim to showcase the diverse experiences that Goa has to offer while promoting responsible tourism practices. We look forward to building stronger connections and welcoming more travellers from Japan to experience the authentic charm of Goa.”
The event will offer a comprehensive insight into Goa’s diverse experiences through interactive presentations, engaging discussions with tourism experts, and networking opportunities with key industry professionals. Japanese travel partners will also have a chance to explore Goa’s evolving tourism landscape and discover new areas for collaboration.
Panaji, February 1, 2025 : As OTM 2025 came to a close, Goa Tourism showcased its commitment to sustainable and responsible travel. The final day highlighted the state’s dedication to preserving its natural beauty while offering visitors enriching experiences that celebrate Goa’s heritage and its focus on regenerative tourism, blending environmental conservation with community engagement.
Goa’s participation at OTM 2025 emphasized its status as a premier global travel destination. The state’s presentation revolved around Regenerative Tourism, which promotes responsible travel that benefits both local communities and the environment. With a commitment to eco-friendly initiatives, community-based tourism, and cultural preservation, Goa is leading the way in offering authentic experiences that will help safeguard its future.
One of the key highlights of Goa Tourism’s presence was the promotion of the Ekadasha Teertha circuit—an array of 11 historic temples that provide spiritual and cultural experiences for travellers. In addition, Goa showcased its beauty beyond the beaches, the vibrant festivals, rich local cuisine, and sustainable beach tourism, all integral elements of the Goan experience.
“We are delighted with the response we’ve received at OTM 2025,” said Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism. “This platform has allowed us to engage with global tourism professionals and showcase how Goa is evolving into a hub for regenerative and sustainable tourism. The future of travel is here, and Goa is proud to lead the way.”
Throughout the event, Goa Tourism delegates, including Shri Rajesh Kale, Deputy Director (South), Mr. Pravinkumar Faldessai, Sr. Manager Marketing (GTDC), and Mr. Sachin Gad, Information Assistant (DOT), actively engaged with visitors at the Goa Tourism pavilion. They fostered valuable connections and highlighted the state’s diverse tourism offerings.
The final day of OTM Mumbai 2025 was a momentous occasion for Goa Tourism as it was honored with the prestigious Best Decoration Award. The award was presented by Mr. Gazanfar Ibrahim, Managing Director, Fairfest Media Limited, and received by Mr. Rajesh Kale (Deputy Director, South), Mr. Pravinkumar Faldessai (Sr. Manager Marketing, GTDC), and Mr. Sachin Gad (Information Assistant, DOT) on behalf of Goa Tourism. The award reaffirmed Goa Tourism’s dedication to creating engaging experiences that highlight the essence of the destination while setting a benchmark for excellence in tourism promotion.
The event also featured insightful discussions on the future of ecotourism and the integration of technology to promote sustainable travel. Goa Tourism reaffirmed its commitment to balancing tourism growth with environmental preservation, highlighting innovative approaches to responsible and sustainable tourism development.
With numerous networking sessions and partnerships solidified, Goa’s participation at OTM 2025 signals the beginning of a new era for responsible tourism in the state.
Panaji, January 15, 2025 – The Department of Tourism, Goa, organized a comprehensive day-long conclave for tourism stakeholders. Chaired by the Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Shri Rohan Khaunte, and Director of Tourism, Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, the event aimed to counter misinformation about tourist footfall figures and reaffirm Goa’s position as a premier tourism destination.
The conclave brought together key stakeholders from diverse sectors, including cruise tourism, airport operations, charter flights, beach tourism, transport, and accommodation. Members of the Goa Tourism Board including Mark Mendes, Ernest Dias, Carlos de Sousa; TTAG President Jack Sukhija, and other industry representatives discussed strategies to enhance Goa’s tourism experience and ensure sustainable growth.
Addressing the media after the stakeholders conclave, Shri. Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director of Tourism stated that the state saw a notable 21% growth which promises a very positive and promising trend of tourism in Goa, with a substantial 54% increase in tourists visiting in December 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. The quarterly growth from October to December stood at 38%. While domestic tourist numbers increased by 22%, foreign tourist numbers grew by 3%.” These provisional figures show that there is strong growth in terms of numbers.
Director Suneel Anchipaka IAS further said that the data has been compiled from credible sources, including airport arrivals, Konkan Railways, and the Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) and other transport operators. These statistics unequivocally indicate a robust growth in Goa’s tourism sector, reaffirming its position as a preferred destination.
The director further stated that Dabolim Airport saw a significant surge in passenger traffic, with a remarkable 27% growth in December 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. He said that the government is focusing on quality over quantity and that the hotel occupancy remained highest this season which shows that high-end tourists are preferring Goa.
Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte stated “In the year 2023, Goa received 81,75,460 domestic tourists and 4,52,702 international tourists, totalling 86,28,162 visitors. Whereas in the year 2024, provisional figures show that Goa welcomed 99,41,285 domestic tourists and around 4,67,911 international tourists, bringing the total to 1,04,09,196 visitors.”
The Minister highlighted that during the last week of December 2024, Goa saw a record 200 flights arriving daily. Despite the broader Asia tourism sector facing a -18% growth rate post-COVID-19, Goa’s 3% growth in foreign tourist arrivals signifies the state’s resilience and adaptability.
The Tourism Minister also addressed the recent criticism from social media influencers, attributing it to unverified data released by the China Economic Information Centre. He expressed that Goa is performing much better than the national average; has got a great resilience in adaptability in the competitive tourism landscape and as a year to year-round destination we are also looking at increasing off season business.
The Minister acknowledged challenges such as overtourism, particularly at popular beaches like Baga and Calangute, which have faced overcrowding, waste management issues, and occasional conflicts between locals and tourists. These challenges, along with the impact of budget tourism, require a focused and proactive approach to maintain Goa’s infrastructure and reputation.
To enhance the overall tourist experience, the government is adopting technology across various services. Platforms such as Goa Miles and the Goa Taxi app are integral to improving transport services. The Minister assured that concerns related to taxi operations are being actively addressed through technology-driven solutions. Additionally, efforts are being made to educate visitors about Goa’s cultural values, traditions, and boundaries, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation among tourists.
Responding to concerns about a perceived decline in tourism, the Minister emphasized that several hotels achieved near 100% occupancy this year, accompanied by impressive Average Room Rates (AAR). He further noted that, under the Ease of Doing Business initiative, the number of registered hotels in the state has increased from approximately 3,000 in 2022 to nearly 9,000 in 2024 across various categories, ensuring visitors have a broader range of accommodation options, including homestays.
The minister further stated that issues raised during the stakeholder meeting will be taken up at the upcoming Goa Tourism Board meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Shri Pramod Sawant. An actionable plan will be formulated in collaboration with the Chief Secretary and other officials and presented to the Chief Minister for implementation.
“We strongly believe in the ethos of Atithi Devo Bhava, where every guest is treated with utmost respect and hospitality. Our commitment is to uphold this principle while ensuring Goa remains a premier destination that offers unique experiences, vibrant culture, and world-class services,” the Minister concluded.
Panaji, 5th December 2024: The Department of Tourism in collaboration with Travel Corporation India (TCI), hosted a sunset boat cruise tour for around 30 travel agents from Poland on December 5, 2024. The event aimed to showcase Goa’s scenic beauty, rich culture and attract more tourists from Poland to Goa.
The guests were cordially welcomed at Captain’s Club, Ribander, by Shri Gavin Dias, General Manager, GTDC; Shri Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager (Marketing), GTDC; Shri Shawn Mendes, OSD to the Minister for Tourism; Shri Ernest Dias, Chief operating officer, TCI and Shri Jayesh Kankonkar, Assistant Director of Tourism. The evening began with an engaging presentation by Shri Gavin Dias, spotlighting Goa’s vibrant heritage, cultural diversity, and stunning landscapes followed by the screening of a captivating video highlighting Goa’s unique hidden gems and current tourism initiatives was played, offering guests a glimpse into the state’s diverse attractions.
The highlight of the tour was a boat cruise from Ribander, offering stunning views of Old Goa and Panaji. The serene journey, with its calm waters and lush greenery, gave guests unforgettable memories as they enjoyed views of Goa’s landmarks, including the World Heritage Sites at Old Goa along with Divar Island, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, and Atal Setu, showcasing the region’s beauty and history. The guests were brought to Goa by Rainbow Tours, the charter operator that facilitates charter flights to the state, with two flights arriving every 10 days.
Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director of Tourism and Managing Director of GTDC remarked, “This initiative highlights Goa’s breathtaking scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage, offering an immersive experience for guests while strengthening international tourism ties. By creating experiences that celebrate Goa’s essence, we aim to inspire a deeper understanding of sustainable tourism that benefits both visitors and the local community.”
Shri Gavin Dias, General Manager, GTDC, highlighted, “Goa’s seamless connectivity through charter flights, waterways, rail, and road, along with user-friendly apps like Goa Taxi and Goa Miles, ensures hassle-free travel. With its cultural treasures like Chikhal Kalo and São João among others, exciting adventures, and serene wellness retreats, Goa offers something unique for every traveller.”
Recently, Department of Tourism, also successfully hosted the Goa Roadshow 2024 in Warsaw, Poland. This exclusive invite-only event showcased Goa’s rich heritage, cultural traditions, and tourism offerings, engaging Polish travel stakeholders through presentations, interactive sessions, and personalized discussions strengthening ties with the Polish travel community.
The cruise ride concluded with the travellers expressing their admiration for Goa’s natural beauty and the immersive experience curated for them. This collaboration is yet another step in promoting Goa as a global tourism hub, blending its rich traditions with modern sensibilities to create unforgettable journeys.
