Tag: Sustainable Travel

Travel

Goa Tourism Showcases Regenerative Vision at SATTE 2026 in New Delhi

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, is set to participate in the South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2026, which will be held from February 25 to 27 at Yashobhoomi (India International Convention and Expo Centre) in New Delhi. Recognised as one of South Asia’s most prominent travel and tourism exhibitions, SATTE brings together destinations, travel professionals, hospitality brands, and key stakeholders from across the global tourism ecosystem, creating opportunities for collaboration, networking, and business growth.

Goa Tourism will showcase its diverse and evolving portfolio at Stall No. A-62, engaging with industry stakeholders and partners over the three-day event. The State’s participation is centred on reinforcing its identity as a year-round destination driven by quality, sustainability, and regenerative tourism practices. Visitors to the Goa pavilion will experience a curated mix of offerings, including spiritual circuits such as Ekadasha Teertha, hinterland and village tourism, homestays, wellness retreats, adventure activities, heritage trails, monsoon experiences, and vibrant cultural festivals that highlight Goa’s rich and living traditions.

The delegation will actively participate in business-to-business meetings with domestic and international tour operators, travel agents, destination management companies, hospitality partners, and aviation stakeholders. These engagements aim to strengthen strategic alliances, enhance market visibility, and promote responsible tourism practices while attracting travellers seeking deeper, more meaningful, and immersive experiences.

Tourism Minister Shri Rohan Ashok Khaunte emphasised that Goa’s presence at SATTE 2026 aligns with the State’s broader vision of becoming a regenerative and future-ready tourism destination. He highlighted that the focus remains on empowering local communities, preserving cultural identity, and encouraging responsible travel while leveraging global platforms to build impactful partnerships.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik noted that SATTE continues to serve as a significant forum for engaging with stakeholders across the travel and tourism sector. He added that this year’s showcase will focus on curated experiences that reflect Goa’s evolving tourism narrative and its shift towards sustainability and innovation.

Through its participation, the Department of Tourism aims to further strengthen Goa’s brand presence in key domestic and international markets while placing sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation at the core of its tourism strategy. The State looks forward to meaningful engagements and collaborations that will support its continued growth as one of the world’s most preferred travel destinations.

Travel

GTDC Announces Special Tour for Tripurari Poornima Boat Festival 2025 at Sankhali

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), in collaboration with the Departments of Tourism, Art and Culture, and Information and Publicity, has announced a Special Tour for the Tripurari Poornima Boat Festival, which will take place on Wednesday, 5th November 2025, at Vithalapur, Sankhali.

Celebrated under the full moon, Tripurari Poornima is one of Goa’s most captivating festivals, blending spirituality, creativity, and tradition. The highlight of the event is the magnificent boat show on the River Valvanti, where intricately decorated miniature boats are released, symbolizing devotion and community celebration. The festival attracts locals and visitors who come together to experience the beauty of Goa’s cultural and spiritual diversity.

Speaking about the event, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized that Tripurari Poornima embodies the spirit of Regenerative Tourism, where each visitor contributes to preserving Goa’s traditions while enjoying an authentic experience. He invited both locals and travellers to join the celebration and witness Goa’s living cultural legacy.

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, described the festival as a perfect representation of spirituality and community creativity, while GTDC Managing Director, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, reaffirmed GTDC’s commitment to curating meaningful tourism experiences that support local engagement and sustainability.

To facilitate easy access, GTDC has organized a special coach tour from Panaji and Mapusa residencies, departing at 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM, respectively, and returning from Sankhali at approximately 1:00 AM. Tickets are priced at ₹150 for adults and ₹50 for children (6–12 years). Guests staying at GTDC residencies in Panaji, Mapusa, Miramar, and Calangute who book the tour will also receive a 10% discount on room rates.

The initiative aims to encourage participation, promote local culture, and offer a comfortable, eco-friendly travel experience for visitors and residents alike.

GTDC invites everyone to experience the magic of Goa’s moonlit waters, vibrant traditions, and festive spirit at the Tripurari Poornima Boat Festival 2025.

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 Showcases Regenerative Tourism at ITB Asia 2025, Positions Itself as ‘Gateway to All Possibilities’

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa made a strong international impression at ITB Asia 2025, positioning itself as the “Gateway to All Possibilities” through an immersive presentation of its regenerative tourism model and a wide array of authentic, sustainable, and premium tourism experiences. The Goa pavilion was inaugurated by Dr. Shilpak Ambule, High Commissioner of India to Singapore, in the presence of senior officials from the Department of Tourism and Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC).

Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte emphasized Goa’s leadership in being the first Indian state to adopt Regenerative Tourism — a framework that ensures tourism development strengthens local communities, protects ecosystems, and preserves cultural identity. Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, reinforced Goa’s commitment to positioning itself as a year-round, globally preferred destination across leisure, wellness, adventure, and MICE tourism.

Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, MD of GTDC, delivered a compelling presentation highlighting Goa’s strategic strengths: 10.4 million tourist arrivals in 2024, including nearly half a million international visitors; a 16.4% contribution to the state’s GDP from tourism; and support to over 35% of the local workforce. Goa’s connectivity — including two international airports, robust rail and highway networks, and advanced cruise terminals — was showcased as a key enabler for inbound growth.

The Goa delegation interacted with stakeholders from key tourism markets including Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, the USA, Spain, Mauritius, Dubai, and Taiwan, initiating collaborations to drive inbound tourism and boost Goa’s global profile. Exhibiting partners like Concord Exotic Voyages and Minar Travels Goa also showcased curated premium travel experiences and itineraries.

Goa’s eco-tourism offerings took center stage, with focused promotions on nature-based experiences such as Bondla Zoo, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Dudhsagar Waterfall, and eco-stays like Silvan Cottages. These initiatives are part of a broader push to highlight Goa’s lesser-explored hinterlands, diversify tourist interest beyond beaches, and encourage responsible tourism.

Visitors at the pavilion explored Goa’s diverse tourism layers: regulated water sports, bungee jumping, kayaking, caravan tourism, homestays, agro-tourism, vibrant festivals like Carnival and Shigmo, Ayurveda retreats, yoga hubs, culinary richness, flea markets, and arts festivals like IFFI and Serendipity.

Goa’s regenerative tourism vision is about crafting experiences that are immersive and inclusive while ensuring that tourism becomes a force for good. By balancing economic growth with environmental protection and cultural preservation, Goa is shaping a future-forward, resilient tourism model.

Its participation at ITB Asia 2025 reaffirms its commitment to global engagement, destination transformation, and creating a tourism ecosystem where every journey nurtures the destination’s soul — making Goa not just a place to visit, but a way to travel.

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.