Tag: Sustainable Travel

Events in Goa

Goa Gears Up to Showcase Regenerative Tourism and ‘Beyond Beaches’ Campaign at TTF Mumbai 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Panjim | August 7, 2025: The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, is set to make a strong impression at the Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) Mumbai 2025, to be held from August 11 to 13 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.

After earning the Excellence Award for its trailblazing ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’ campaign at TTF Ahmedabad earlier this year, Goa is ready to push the envelope further with its evolving tourism strategy centered on Regenerative Tourism.

A Shift from Volume to Value

Speaking ahead of the event, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized the need for responsible tourism:

“Goa is leading a paradigm shift in Indian tourism – from volume to value, from seasonal to year-round, and from superficial to immersive. At TTF Mumbai, we aim to reinforce our vision of Regenerative Tourism that benefits the people, nurtures our ecology, and sustains our culture.”

What’s New at the Goa Pavilion?

The Goa Pavilion at TTF Mumbai will present a multi-dimensional showcase reflecting the state’s renewed tourism outlook:

  • 🌧️ Monsoon Tourism: Promoting lesser-known trekking trails and nature circuits
  • 🛕 Spiritual Tourism: Featuring the Ekadasha Teertha circuit
  • 🧘 Wellness & Retreat Tourism: Showcasing yoga, ayurveda, and meditation experiences
  • 🏡 Homestays & Rural Circuits: Connecting tourists to the authentic Goan lifestyle
  • 🎭 Cultural Immersion: Celebrating Goa’s rich traditions, art, and cuisine

Engagement and Partnerships

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added:

“Our participation at TTF Mumbai is part of our ongoing outreach to engage with the travel trade and explore partnerships that align with Goa’s future-ready tourism vision.”

Officials from the Department of Tourism along with key stakeholders from the travel industry will be present to connect with tour operators, media, and investors who are aligned with Goa’s sustainable and diversified tourism development path.

Goa – More Than Just Beaches

Through campaigns like ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’, the state is successfully repositioning itself as a year-round, culture-rich, eco-conscious destination. The new focus is not only drawing a different kind of traveller but also helping to protect Goa’s heritage, ecology, and local livelihoods.

As Goa steps into TTF Mumbai 2025, it sends a clear message — Goa is no longer just a destination, it’s a living experience that respects both its people and planet.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Goa Tourism Showcases Its Diverse Offerings at TTF Ahmedabad 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Gandhinagar, July 31, 2025: The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, marked its presence on the inaugural day of Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) Ahmedabad 2025, one of India’s leading travel trade platforms. The event, taking place at Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar, runs from July 31 to August 2 and serves as a vital outreach opportunity to engage with key domestic tourism markets.

The Goa Tourism Pavilion stands out for its theme: Goa – A Responsible and Immersive Travel Destination. The delegation, led by Shri Pravinkumar Faldessai (Senior Manager, GTDC), Smt. Concy Pereira (Asst. Tourism Officer), and Smt. Isabelinda Vaz (Information Assistant), aims to reposition Goa as more than just a beach destination.

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, emphasized the importance of such platforms:

“Our participation focuses on promoting Goa as a year-round destination offering rich cultural heritage, wellness, spirituality, adventure, and immersive rural experiences.”

The Goa Pavilion offers a deep dive into several tourism themes:

  • Spiritual Tourism & Ayurveda
  • Adventure & Monsoon Trails in the Hinterlands
  • Homestays & Community-Based Travel
  • Wellness Retreats & Cultural Tourism

Goa’s vibrant festival calendar is also being promoted. Visitors to the pavilion can learn about traditional celebrations like Sao Joao, Shigmo, Chikhal Kalo, Carnaval, and the Spirit of Goa Festival—which are increasingly drawing experiential travellers from across India and beyond.

The Department’s outreach at TTF Ahmedabad is part of a broader strategy to attract quality, sustainable tourism by forging stronger partnerships with tour operators, digital platforms, travel media, and stakeholders in the domestic travel trade.

With a commitment to inclusive, future-ready tourism, the Department of Tourism invites all stakeholders to visit the Goa Pavilion and discover the many ways in which Goa continues to evolve—balancing tradition with innovation.

📍 Event: TTF Ahmedabad 2025
📆 Dates: July 31 – August 2, 2025
📍 Venue: Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar

Human Interest

Goa Sees Surge in June 2025 Tourist Arrivals, Boosted by Monsoon Festival Campaigns

allycaralgoa

Panaji, July 3, 2025 – Defying traditional patterns, Goa has witnessed a significant rise in tourist arrivals in June 2025, a month long considered off-season for the state’s hospitality sector. The surge is credited to the Goa Tourism Department’s bold monsoon-focused campaign, championing regenerative tourism through community-centric festivals and authentic local experiences.

Festivals Take the Lead: São João and Chikal Kalo

Leading this cultural revival were two of Goa’s most iconic monsoon festivals — São João, celebrated with joy and jumps into water bodies, and Chikal Kalo, a vibrant mud-filled celebration of unity and tradition. These events, held in villages and towns across North and South Goa, became centrepieces of digital storytelling and grassroots engagement.

Instead of just showcasing beaches, the Tourism Department collaborated with local influencers, artists, and cultural custodians to share Goa’s heritage through reels, blog stories, and immersive experiences.

“This June has been unlike any other,” said Jack Sukhija, President of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG). “We’ve seen guests take genuine interest in our traditions—participating in events, understanding their history, and truly immersing themselves in Goan culture.”

Authentic Travel Meets New-Age Promotion

Hospitality players across the board — from hotels and homestays to cruise operators, artisans, and heritage guides — reported a visible uptick in bookings and cultural interactions. The trend wasn’t just about quantity but quality tourism, with visitors actively engaging in heritage walks, culinary workshops, and local celebrations.

Ranjit Phillipose, Senior Vice President – Operations, IHCL Goa, praised the campaign’s outcome:

“The storytelling around Goa’s culture has resonated well with visitors. The focused promotion of São João and other experiences translated into strong occupancy and deeper engagement across regions.”

Wellness and Culture Combine: ‘Glow on Arrival’

Adding to the campaign’s richness was the ‘Glow on Arrival’ initiative, a wellness-centric push that marketed Goa’s misty monsoon landscapes, serene villages, and relaxing rhythms as a haven for rejuvenation. Retreats, spa getaways, and digital detox experiences aligned perfectly with the state’s emerging identity as a year-round destination.

Sustainable Shift: From Parties to Purpose

Goa’s evolving tourism model, rooted in regenerative travel, now aims to benefit local communities, preserve traditions, and promote off-season tourism in a meaningful way. Officials confirmed that the strategy moving forward will emphasize:

  • Community partnerships
  • Support for cultural events
  • Eco-tourism and spiritual circuits
  • Grassroots entrepreneurship

With July’s Chikal Kalo festival (July 5–7) and heritage circuits already generating buzz, Goa’s off-season is being rewritten as a time for cultural celebration and immersive travel.

The Road Ahead

As Goa steers away from a purely beach-and-party image, it is finding global appeal in its rich cultural identity and inclusive tourism experiences. With the monsoon season emerging as a platform for deeper connections and local pride, Goa is poised to become a case study in sustainable tourism success — one festival at a time.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

GTDC Announces Monsoon Trekking Expedition to Tambdi Surla Waterfalls on 29th June 2025

allycaralgoa

Panaji, June 23, 2025 – The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) is inviting nature lovers and adventure seekers to experience the magic of the monsoons with a special Trekking Expedition to Tambdi Surla Waterfalls, scheduled for Sunday, 29th June 2025.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, this monsoon trek offers participants a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure.

🌧️ Explore Goa’s Monsoon Magic

Monsoon in Goa transforms the landscape into a lush green paradise, and few places capture this seasonal charm better than Tambdi Surla Waterfalls. Nestled deep within the forest, the falls cascade into a serene natural pool — an ideal spot for a refreshing dip amidst nature.

The trail to the waterfall begins at the famous Tambdi Surla Shiva Temple, a revered 12th-century monument built in the Kadamba style of architecture. A visit to this ancient temple adds a spiritual and historical dimension to the trek.

🌿 A Trek for the Adventurous and the Curious

The trek is moderately challenging, taking approximately 90 minutes one way, and is suitable for participants in good physical health. Along the way, trekkers will experience:

  • Dense tropical forests
  • Flowing monsoon-fed streams
  • Rich biodiversity including birds, butterflies, and flora
  • The peaceful sounds of the forest and rushing waters

This immersive journey offers a deep connection with nature and is ideal for trekking enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone looking to explore Goa beyond its beaches.

🚌 Travel & Logistical Information

GTDC has arranged convenient transport from multiple locations to ensure a hassle-free experience for participants:

  • Mapusa Residency: Departure at 7:00 AM
  • Margao Residency: Departure at 6:45 AM
  • Paryatan Bhavan, Panaji: Reporting time at 7:30 AM
  • Additional Pick-up Points: Old Goa, Banasthari, Farmagudi, and Ponda

💰 Registration & Inclusions

The trekking expedition is priced at ₹1400/- per person, which includes:

  • Transport to and from the site
  • Professional guiding services
  • Nutritious lunch

Participants are advised to carry:

  • Rainwear and an extra pair of clothes
  • Trekking shoes or sturdy footwear
  • Snacks, water bottle, and binoculars
  • A spirit of adventure and respect for nature

Note: Smoking and alcohol consumption are strictly prohibited. Participants are urged to avoid littering and refrain from using plastic in the sanctuary area to help preserve the natural ecosystem.

🌱 Promoting Eco and Adventure Tourism

This initiative is part of GTDC’s ongoing efforts to promote nature-based and adventure tourism in Goa’s lesser-explored hinterlands, especially during the vibrant monsoon season. By spotlighting hidden gems like Tambdi Surla, GTDC aims to encourage sustainable tourism that benefits local communities and preserves natural heritage.

📞 Booking & Contact Information

Interested participants can book their trek or get more information by contacting:

📱 Anil Dalal, GTDC
📞 9422057704 / 8379022215
🌐 Online Booking: www.goa-tourism.com

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Goa Tourism Celebrates 11th International Yoga Day at Socorro with Resounding Participation

allycaralgoa

Socorro, 21st June 2025 – The Department of Tourism and Goa Tourism Development Corporation organized the 11th International Yoga Day in a grand and spirited manner at the Socorro Panchayat Hall, where over 150 participants gathered in a collective embrace of wellness, mindfulness, and community harmony. The celebrations reflected the State’s growing emphasis on integrating yoga and holistic health into its tourism narrative.

The celebrations were graced by the presence of Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte, who emphasized the importance of yoga in promoting holistic health and positioning Goa as a wellness destination. Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik, Managing Director of GTDC Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Socorro Sarpanch Smt. Soniya Pednekar, Penha de Franca Sarpanch Shri Swapnil Chodankar, and Zilla Panchayat Member Smt. Kavita Gupesh Naik was also in attendance, along with members of the Socorro Panchayat and officials from the Department of Tourism and GTDC. The inaugural function was compared by Mr. Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager (Marketing), GTDC.

Speaking at the occasion, Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte said, “Yoga aligns with the core values of Goa’s Regenerative Tourism model—restoring balance, enhancing well-being, and empowering communities. Through initiatives like this, we’re not only celebrating India’s rich heritage but also encouraging both locals and visitors to embrace holistic living in Goa’s serene natural surroundings.”

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik added,“Yoga Day is a reminder that wellness and tourism can go hand in hand. Goa is uniquely positioned to offer mindful, rejuvenating experiences, and we are actively working to create avenues that support year-round wellness-based tourism rooted in local culture and sustainability.”

The event featured a guided yoga session conducted by Mr. Tulsidas Mangueshkar, a Yoga Instructor and Evaluator certified by the Ministry of AYUSH, and Mrs. Pooja Tulsidas Mangueshkar, a certified yoga teacher, drawing participation from diverse age groups and communities. As part of the program, attendees were encouraged to adopt yoga as a daily practice to enhance physical vitality, mental clarity, and emotional balance.

As part of its broader vision, Goa has been actively promoting wellness and spiritual tourism. The State is promoting a slower, more conscious form of travel that nurtures both people and the planet. Initiatives such as the celebration of Yoga Day are a reflection of Goa’s aspiration as India’s premier wellness destination.

The Department of Tourism, in collaboration with local panchayats and stakeholders, continues to promote wellness-based experiences across Goa, reflecting the State’s commitment to building a healthier society and fostering mindful, sustainable tourism practices.