As part of the celebrations for World Tourism Day 2025, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), SKAL International Goa, and the Yuva Tourism Club, hosted a series of enriching tourism experiences across the state. These included a captivating Heritage Walk at the Aguad Port & Jail Complex, a tranquil ‘Picnic by the Forest Stream’ in Bicholim, and a serene Nature Experience at Carambolim Lake. Each event was designed to deepen appreciation for Goa’s historical, cultural, and ecological richness.
These initiatives align with Goa Tourism’s vision of promoting regenerative and experiential tourism. By bringing together students, tourism stakeholders, and visitors, the activities encouraged a stronger connection to Goa’s diverse landscapes and stories. The Heritage Walk at Aguad introduced participants to fascinating chapters of Goa’s colonial history, while the forest picnic in Bicholim offered a moment of peace and community in the heart of nature. At Carambolim Lake, visitors learned about the region’s wetland biodiversity, underlining the importance of conservation efforts.
Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized the importance of such inclusive initiatives in shaping Goa’s tourism identity, noting that blending heritage, nature, and community engagement is key to making tourism meaningful. Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, highlighted how these events foster awareness about sustainability and responsible travel among young participants and tourism partners. He noted the enthusiastic participation from educational institutions and stakeholders as a positive sign for the future of tourism in the state.
The World Tourism Day celebrations will continue in the coming days with a grand Tourism Stakeholders’ Meet at Grand Hyatt Goa and a special Film Festival at the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), showcasing stories of heritage and conservation. These initiatives not only celebrate tourism but also reaffirm Goa’s commitment to fostering a tourism model that is inclusive, sustainable, and deeply rooted in its unique identity.
Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral
Panjim, 17th September 2025 – As part of the month-long build-up to World Tourism Day 2025, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), SKAL International Goa, and the Yuva Tourism Club, conducted two immersive student activities: an Electric Cycle Tour at Chorao and a “Life of Pao” Bread-Making Experience at Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts and Science, Devorlim.
The initiatives are designed to promote regenerative and experiential tourism, while building awareness among youth about Goa’s natural and cultural heritage.
Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, said:
“Through activities like today’s Electric Cycle Tour and Bread-Making Experience, we want to engage the youth in authentic experiences and instill in them a sense of ownership towards Goa’s heritage, ecology and traditions. This aligns with our vision to make Goa a model for regenerative tourism.”
Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added:
“These hands-on programmes are more than just excursions; they are an educational journey for students, sensitising them to sustainability, local livelihoods and community engagement.”
The Electric Cycle Tour at Chorao offered students an opportunity to explore Goa’s ecology, biodiversity, and village landscapes in a sustainable manner. Meanwhile, the Life of Pao Bread-Making Experience immersed them in Goa’s culinary traditions, teaching them the cultural significance and heritage of the iconic Goan bread.
With the participation of colleges and schools through the Yuva Tourism Club, these initiatives are shaping the next generation of responsible travellers who appreciate the importance of sustainability, community, and cultural preservation.
The Department of Tourism will continue hosting a series of programs throughout September, leading up to special events and grand celebrations on World Tourism Day 2025.
In the lead-up to World Tourism Day 2025 on September 27, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, has launched an ambitious month-long celebration in collaboration with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), SKAL International Goa, and the Yuva Tourism Clubs across the state. This comprehensive series of activities reflects Goa’s progressive vision for sustainable, inclusive, and experiential tourism.
The month of September has been transformed into a canvas for immersive, localised experiences that showcase the state’s rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, culinary traditions, and community spirit. These efforts are part of Goa’s broader commitment to regenerative tourism, where travel experiences are designed not just to entertain but to positively impact both visitors and host communities.
Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, noted that the initiative aims to showcase Goa as a year-round destination with authentic experiences. He emphasized the role of youth in driving this change, highlighting the Yuva Tourism Club’s involvement in fostering a culture of responsible travel. Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, reiterated the state’s holistic approach — blending heritage, nature, gastronomy, and inclusive events — to create a vibrant and future-ready tourism landscape.
The public is invited to take part in a variety of curated experiences such as a Bioluminescence Forest Walk, Cruise & Kayaking Trail, Folgar forest picnics, heritage walks at Monte Santo and Aguad, and traditional bread-making workshops. A visit to the Mulgao Folk Village will immerse participants in local customs, music and coconut farming techniques. Each activity is designed to engage both tourists and residents, creating opportunities for shared discovery and cultural exchange.
At the heart of the celebration is youth engagement. Through the Yuva Tourism Club, these experiences are being introduced to students in schools and colleges across Goa to raise awareness about sustainability and instill pride in local culture. The calendar includes a biodiversity walk at Carambolim Lake, electric cycle tours, and hands-on culinary activities that allow students to engage with Goa’s unique ecological and culinary identity.
Culinary enthusiasts can look forward to cooking competitions hosted at IIHM Goa and IHM Goa on various dates, inviting participants to explore the depth and diversity of Goan cuisine. These events aim to bridge traditional food knowledge with modern gastronomy, sparking creativity and cultural appreciation among the youth.
In a significant move toward inclusive tourism, the Department of Tourism will host two special boat cruises — one on September 26 for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and children from orphanages, and another on September 27 dedicated to special children from Rotary institutions. These events underscore Goa’s commitment to making tourism accessible to all, irrespective of age or ability.
On World Tourism Day, September 27, the state will also host its largest Tourism Stakeholders’ Meet at Grand Hyatt Goa. The event will feature the presentation of the Vincent Ramos Scholarship and a key announcement — the launch of Goa’s dedicated MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) Promotion Bureau, a strategic move to position the state as a premier destination for business tourism.
The celebrations will conclude on September 28 with a special one-day Film Festival at the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), showcasing heritage-themed films that focus on sustainability, community engagement, and conservation.
This year’s World Tourism Day theme in Goa is not just about attracting tourists — it’s about reimagining what tourism can mean for local communities, the environment, and future generations. The Department of Tourism invites everyone — residents, students, visitors, and stakeholders — to experience Goa through a fresh, immersive, and meaningful lens.
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.
