Travel

Goa to Spotlight Regenerative Tourism & “Feels Like Goa” Campaign at WTM London 2025


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


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.

Travel

Goa International Airport, Dabolim to Celebrate ‘Yatri Sewa Diwas 2025’ with Passenger-Centric Initiatives


Goa International Airport, Dabolim, will join the nationwide observance of ‘Yatri Sewa Diwas 2025’ on 17th September, reaffirming its commitment to passenger convenience, cultural integration, and community engagement.

Handling nearly 7.5 million passengers annually, the airport is jointly managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Indian Navy. Known for its safety standards, operational efficiency, and traveler-friendly services, Goa Airport continues to innovate for both domestic and international flyers.

Highlights of Yatri Sewa Diwas 2025:

  • 🌸 Traditional Welcome: Arrival passengers greeted with Tika for a warm Goan touch.
  • 🌱 Tree Plantation Drive: Senior citizen passengers participating in an eco-friendly initiative.
  • 🎶 Goan Folk Dances: Cultural showcases at the arrival hall during peak hours.
  • 🎨 Painting Competitions: Engaging child passengers and Kendriya Vidyalaya students with themes ‘Save Environment’ and ‘Viman Yatra’.
  • 📸 Photo Booths: Selfie zones at arrivals and departures for lasting memories.
  • 🩸 Blood Donation Camp: Organized for staff with the Government District Hospital.
  • 🩺 Free Health Check-Up Desk: Managed by Manipal Hospitals for passengers.
  • 👀 Free Eye Check-Up for Taxi Drivers: In coordination with Victor Hospital.
  • 🎓 Career Guidance Programme: At Kendriya Vidyalaya-1, focused on aviation sector opportunities.
  • 📝 Passenger Feedback Drive: Pamphlets distributed to collect valuable insights for further service enhancement.

The Airport Director stated:

“The observance of Yatri Sewa Diwas is a testament to our sustained focus on passenger facilitation and our responsibility to local communities. These initiatives underscore our holistic approach to service excellence and community involvement.”

Goa International Airport invites all passengers, students, and community members to participate and celebrate this day, reflecting its ongoing mission to elevate travel experiences and strengthen passenger engagement.

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Events in Goa, Special Occasion

Goa Carnival 2025: A Vibrant Celebration of Culture, History, and People


Written by Intern Joysi Yadav, Team Allycaral

The wait is over! Goa is gearing up to host the spectacular Goa Carnival 2025, a four-day extravaganza that promises to be an unforgettable experience. This year’s carnival will take place from February 28 to March 4, 2025, at six different locations across the state.


The Goa Carnival is one of the most celebrated festivals in Goa, showcasing an assortment of culture, art, entertainment, and food. The festival attracts visitors from all over India and abroad, making it a well-known event in the country.


Carnival is an annual gala that takes place before Lent, also known as ‘Carnaval’, ‘Entrado’, and ‘Intruz’. The festival features masquerades, colorful floats, lively music and dances, plays, and scrumptious food, seamlessly blending the rich Goan culture with entertainment.


The Carnival was initiated during the Portuguese colonial era, introduced in the 18th century to celebrate the Lent season for Christians. Over time, it has evolved into a celebration that includes different communities. The modern-day Carnival is modeled after the Rio Carnival of Brazil, aimed at attracting tourists.

Highlights of the Festival

  1. Parade: The parade is the highlight of the event, featuring exhilarating performances by entertainers, quirky and colorful costumes, and floats festooned with Goan themes.
  2. Cultural Display: Witness musical performances, thought-provoking theatre plays, and traditional folk dances like Dekhni and Fugdi.
  3. Food: Relish traditional Goan delicacies and refreshing drinks, a treat for your taste buds.
    Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to experience the magic of Goa Carnival 2025! Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and get ready to soak in the vibrant spirit of Goa.

Stay updated with the latest news, schedules, and updates on Goa Carnival 2025. Follow us on social media to get exclusive insights into the preparations, performances, and more!