Panaji, August 5, 2025: Goa, India’s premier coastal paradise, has been crowned the ‘Best Destination for Resort Weddings’ at the Wed In India 2025 Awards, held at the Taj Palace in New Delhi. The accolade celebrates Goa’s growing stature as a leading wedding destination, offering a mix of luxury, culture, and natural charm that continues to attract couples from across the globe.
The award was formally received by Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Secretary (Tourism), Government of Goa, in the presence of top wedding and tourism industry leaders from across the country.
Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, expressed pride in the recognition, stating:
“Our unique blend of luxury, culture, and natural beauty continues to inspire couples to choose Goa for their special celebrations. We remain committed to strengthening the infrastructure and services that support the wedding industry, while ensuring that every event hosted here contributes positively to the local economy and community.”
Adding to this, Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, commented:
“Goa is an ideal location for resort weddings, with its beautiful heritage sites, luxury resorts, and rich cultural experiences. This award encourages us to keep improving and ensure that destination weddings add real value to Goa’s economy and create more jobs for our people.”
Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, emphasised Goa’s growing appeal for both domestic and international wedding planners:
“This recognition highlights the growing appeal of Goa for destination weddings. Our aim is to ensure that every celebration held here reflects the beauty, culture, and warmth that Goa is known for. We are continuously working with our partners to offer couples and their guests a well-organised and unforgettable experience.”
From sun-kissed beaches and Portuguese-era churches to state-of-the-art resorts and boutique properties, Goa’s offerings make it the ideal setting for dream weddings. The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, has been instrumental in curating experiences and improving services that enhance Goa’s profile as a top-tier destination wedding hotspot.
The state looks forward to further strengthening its position through innovation, improved infrastructure, and inclusive tourism practices, making every celebration not just memorable for the couple, but beneficial for the local community and economy.
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.
Goa, April 12, 2025: Goa Tourism, Government of Goa, successfully concluded its Tourism Roadshow in Doha, Qatar, on April 9, 2025.a The event witnessed an overwhelming response from key stakeholders in the travel and hospitality industry, further strengthening Goa’s position as a preferred travel destination.
Held at Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha, State of Qatar, the roadshow provided a valuable platform for networking and collaboration, fostering new partnerships to enhance tourism opportunities in Goa. Travel industry professionals, dignitaries, and potential visitors engaged in fruitful discussions about Goa’s unique tourism offerings. The highlight of the event was the ‘Goa Evening’, an enchanting cultural showcase that left the audience captivated. The evening featured vibrant folk-dance performances, an insightful destination presentation, and an exclusive film showcasing Goa’s diverse tourism experiences. Attendees had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich heritage, scenic landscapes, and warm hospitality that define Goa.
Key dignitaries, including the H.E. Ambassador of India to Qatar, Shri Vipul addressed the gathering, emphasizing Goa’s potential as a global tourism hub and inviting more travellers from Qatar to explore the state’s unparalleled beauty.
On this occasion, Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte conveyed his message saying, “Goa is evolving into a year-round, premium destination that offers far more than its iconic beaches. Through this roadshow in Qatar, we aim to showcase Goa’s rich spiritual heritage, vibrant hinterlands, and thriving adventure and MICE segments. From tranquil temple trails and heritage villages to world-class venues and immersive experiences, Goa is where tradition meets modern aspiration—inviting travellers from the Middle East to discover Goa beyond the beaches.”
Addressing the audience at the Goa Tourism roadshow, H.E. Ambassador of India to Qatar, Shri Vipul highlighted the strong people-to-people ties between India and Qatar which are also seen in robust tourism flows between the two countries. Indians are among the top travellers to Qatar and India has always been a top tourism destination for Qatar whether for leisure, shopping, health, adventure, etc. Goa has also emerged a favourite destination for travellers from Qatar who enjoy its beaches, cuisine and cultural offerings. The Goa roadshow should further enhance tourism from Qatar to the beautiful state. Shri Kedar Naik, Director Tourism, opined that, “Goa’s charm lies in its seamless blend of heritage, culture, and natural beauty, making it a destination like no other. The enthusiastic response at the Doha Roadshow reaffirms the growing interest in Goa among international travellers. We are committed to strengthening our global partnerships and enhancing visitor experiences, ensuring that every traveller to Goa discovers something truly special.”
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), stated, “Goa is more than just a destination; it is an experience that blends natural beauty, rich heritage, and warm hospitality. Through this roadshow, we are delighted to bring a glimpse of Goa to Qatar and strengthen our bonds with the travel industry here. We welcome travellers from Qatar to explore Goa and immerse themselves in its vibrant culture and diverse offerings.”
The Goa Tourism Roadshow in Doha is part of a broader initiative to engage with international markets and increase global visitor interest. By fostering direct interactions with travel agents, tour operators, and potential travellers, Goa Tourism aims to drive more inbound tourism and establish long-term collaborations with Qatar’s travel industry. Goa Tourism extends its gratitude to all participants, dignitaries, and travel industry stakeholders who contributed to the event’s success. With the positive response received, Goa looks forward to welcoming more visitors from Qatar and beyond.
