Tag: Wellness Tourism

Travel

Department of Tourism Signs MoU with Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya to Boost Wellness Tourism in Goa

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Panaji, December 26, 2025: In a significant move to strengthen wellness tourism in the state, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya and Research Centre (GAMRC), Shiroda–Goa, at Paryatan Bhavan, Patto.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Ashok Naik (GCS), Principal of GAMRC Dr. Neelesh Pramod Korde, Dr Sneha Bhagwat, President of the Goa Council of Ayurvedic and Allied Indian Systems of Medicine, Dr Minal Joshi, Deputy Director (AYUSH), DHS Goa, Dr Dharmendra Desai, Vice President, and Dr Joy Periera, Officiating Registrar.

Under the agreement, the Department of Tourism and GAMRC will collaborate to promote Ayurveda- and Yoga-based wellness tourism through customised wellness packages, coordinated digital marketing initiatives, and participation in national and international tourism forums. The partnership also includes the development of wellness infrastructure such as Ayurveda and Yoga centres at tourism properties, AYUSH information cells, promotional materials, and structured capacity-building programmes through training, research, and knowledge exchange.

Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan Ashok Khaunte said that wellness tourism is a key pillar of Goa’s evolving tourism narrative. He added that the collaboration brings together traditional knowledge systems with organised tourism development, enabling Goa to offer authentic, high-quality wellness experiences while creating sustainable value for local institutions and communities.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Ashok Naik stated that the MoU provides a structured framework for coordinated efforts in promotion, training, and knowledge exchange, aligned with the state’s tourism objectives.

The partnership is expected to further position Goa as a holistic wellness destination by integrating traditional Indian systems of medicine with modern tourism offerings, enhancing visitor experiences while supporting knowledge-driven and community-based tourism development.

Travel

Goa Tourism Showcases Future-Ready Vision at QTM 2025 with Grand Pavilion Inauguration

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Goa Tourism marked a significant milestone at the Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) 2025 with the inauguration of its pavilion by Mr. Vipul, IFS, Indian Ambassador to Qatar, in the presence of Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik, GTDC General Manager (Marketing) Mr. Gavin Dias, and other dignitaries. The event highlighted Goa’s focused global outreach and its commitment to positioning itself as a premium destination aligned with emerging travel trends.

Speaking at the inauguration, Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte emphasized that Goa has entered a transformative phase where sustainability, community empowerment, and experiential tourism are central drivers of growth. He stated that the State’s participation in QTM 2025 strengthens its connection with one of its most important international markets and reinforces its ambition to diversify Goa’s tourism portfolio across leisure, wellness, weddings, adventure, and film tourism. His remarks underscored Goa’s vision of delivering high-quality, responsible, and innovative tourism experiences that match global expectations.

Echoing this vision, Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik highlighted that QTM 2025 provides a valuable opportunity to present Goa beyond its popular coastline by showcasing regenerative tourism models, upgraded infrastructure, and curated visitor experiences designed for authenticity and quality. The interactions on the opening day demonstrated strong international interest in Goa as a multifaceted destination capable of offering memorable and meaningful experiences.

The pavilion presented a refreshed narrative of Goa’s tourism landscape, displaying new and evolving offerings shaped by global travel trends. Visitors were introduced to the State’s strengthened focus on regenerative tourism, community-led initiatives, and improved visitor infrastructure, along with emerging verticals such as nocto tourism, jet-setting through film and screen tourism, and calming wellness-oriented “calmcations.” The State’s expanding portfolio reflects its long-term commitment to sustainable development and experience-driven travel.

Throughout the day, the Goa pavilion witnessed enthusiastic participation from travel trade professionals, international tour operators, media delegates, and industry buyers. Conversations revolved around infrastructure advancements, digital tourism innovations, heritage conservation projects, and community-driven tourism circuits that aim to create meaningful impact for both travellers and local communities.

The opening day concluded on an optimistic note, reinforcing Goa Tourism’s strong presence at QTM 2025. With a future-ready vision and a comprehensive tourism offering, the Goa delegation is set to continue its engagements over the next two days, deepening partnerships and strengthening the State’s global position as a diverse, responsible, and world-class travel destination.

Travel

Goa’s Tourism Shines with 6.23% Growth; Domestic and International Arrivals Surge in 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa’s tourism industry has recorded a remarkable surge this year, reaffirming its position as one of India’s leading travel destinations. From January to September 2025, the state achieved an overall 6.23% increase in tourist arrivals compared to the same period last year. Domestic arrivals rose from 69,24,938 in 2024 to 72,96,068 in 2025, marking a 5.36% increase, while international arrivals grew significantly by 29.33%, climbing from 2,59,820 to 3,36,031 visitors. Tourism continues to play a major role in Goa’s economy, contributing around 16.43% to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and generating nearly 40–45% of direct and indirect employment.

Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte noted that Goa’s consistent performance, even during the monsoon months, demonstrates the success of year-round tourism initiatives. He praised the growing international reach of Goa’s tourism, with charter flights arriving from destinations such as Ekaterinburg, Kazakhstan, Novosibirsk, and Moscow, totaling 34 flights from Russia and Central Asia in October 2025 alone. TUI Airways is also set to begin direct flights from Manchester and Gatwick, expected to bring an additional 30,000–40,000 travellers to Goa.

The Minister emphasized the importance of responsible tourism, stating that sustainability and quality remain central to Goa’s vision. Shacks began operations earlier this season, and watersports operators received timely permissions under improved regulations. He also confirmed that six shack operators lost their licenses this year for sub-letting, underscoring the Department’s commitment to transparency.

To further strengthen Goa’s tourism ecosystem, new policies are on the horizon. The upcoming Aerosports Policy and Wellness Tourism Policy aim to promote adventure, MICE, wedding, and wellness tourism under the “Goa Beyond Beaches” initiative. These efforts will support women-led enterprises and community-driven tourism. Simultaneously, the Department is cracking down on illegal touting and ensuring hospitality compliance through hotel verification drives and fully online registration systems for ease of doing business.

Empowering Goans remains at the heart of these initiatives. The Certified Tourism Facilitator Programme has already certified 72 guides, while a new ID-based registration system for beach photographers aims to prevent irregularities. A dedicated scheme for local photographers, “Niz Goenkars,” will soon be launched to encourage homegrown entrepreneurship.

Highlighting support from the Central Government, Shri Khaunte announced that ₹472 crore has been sanctioned for key tourism projects including Swadesh Darshan, Town Square, Unity Mall, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum. Looking ahead, Goa plans to develop a vibrant “concert economy” to enhance entertainment infrastructure and promote cultural tourism.

Concluding his address, the Minister said Goa’s tourism story is evolving from “enforcement to empowerment,” driven by collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. With sustained efforts and a shared commitment to responsible travel, Goa aims to solidify its reputation as a premier global destination offering experiences beyond its beaches.

Travel

Goa Welcomes First Charter Flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan for 2025–26 Tourism Season

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa Tourism welcomed the first charter flight of the 2025–26 season from Almaty, Kazakhstan, on 25th October 2025, marking the beginning of a promising new tourism season. Operated by SCAT Airlines (Flight SCAT VSV5212), the flight arrived at Dabolim Airport, South Goa, at 5:30 AM, bringing enthusiastic travellers eager to explore Goa’s diverse offerings beyond its famous beaches.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, noted that the arrival of the first charter flight from Kazakhstan demonstrates Goa’s growing international connectivity and appeal as a global destination. Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added that each new charter flight strengthens Goa’s position as a preferred leisure destination, thanking travel partners and stakeholders for their support in promoting seamless operations at Dabolim and Mopa airports.

To mark the occasion, the Department of Tourism, in collaboration with Concord Exotic Voyages and TTAG, organized a warm and festive welcome for the guests, featuring a brass band performance, floral garlands, and a cake-cutting ceremony. The inaugural flight signals the start of a season expected to see several charter operations from other international destinations in the coming weeks. Goa Tourism continues to enhance visitor experiences through cultural, adventure, wellness, and heritage offerings under the “Goa Beyond Beaches” initiative, reinforcing the state’s position as a world-class leisure destination.

Travel

Goa to Spotlight Culture, Wellness & Sustainability at ITB Asia 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa, October 2025 – The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, will participate in ITB Asia 2025, Asia’s leading B2B travel trade show, taking place from 15–17 October 2025 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. This strategic participation underlines Goa’s commitment to promoting itself as a destination that offers more than leisure — focusing on authentic, meaningful, and sustainable travel experiences.

At the global event, Goa Tourism will unveil its evolving tourism model that prioritizes cultural richness, spiritual depth, ecological responsibility, and community empowerment. Key offerings at the Goa Pavilion will include immersive experiences in spiritual tourism circuits, heritage trails showcasing Indo-Portuguese architecture and living traditions, and wellness tourism rooted in yoga and holistic healing.

Joining the tourism delegation, the Goa Forest Department will present Goa’s exceptional natural wealth — including wildlife sanctuaries, biodiversity hotspots, and nature-based experiences like immersive zoos and conservation-led ecotourism. The aim is to position Goa not just as a destination, but as an ecosystem where nature, culture, and community harmoniously coexist.

The pavilion will also spotlight festivals, rural tourism initiatives, and projects that directly engage local communities and support environmental preservation. These are designed to align with Goa’s broader vision of regenerative tourism — where tourism contributes positively to the places and people it touches.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, noted that Goa is entering a new chapter in its tourism story. “At ITB Asia 2025, we aim to build meaningful global partnerships and showcase Goa as a forward-thinking destination with upgraded infrastructure, safer travel environments, and diverse experiences rooted in our identity,” he said.

Echoing the sentiment, Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, emphasized the value of connecting with a global audience: “Our presence at ITB Asia is about presenting Goa as a place where heritage, nature, and community come together to create enriching journeys.”

Goa’s participation at ITB Asia 2025 is not just promotional — it’s transformational. It marks the state’s efforts to strengthen international partnerships, access new markets, and showcase a tourism model that is future-ready, inclusive, and globally relevant. From local culture to conservation, the Goa Pavilion will offer a complete picture of what responsible and regenerative travel can look like in one of India’s most beloved destinations.