Tag: Wellness Travel

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Goa Showcases Regenerative and Future-Ready Tourism at Qatar Travel & Tourism Expo 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Goa Tourism is set to take center stage at the Qatar Travel & Tourism Expo 2025, scheduled from 24th to 26th November, presenting the state as a leader in regenerative and future-ready tourism. The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, will use this international platform to showcase a refreshed tourism identity shaped by innovative experiences, enhanced services, and emerging global trends.

The Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized Goa’s commitment to blending responsible development with luxury travel experiences. He noted that participation in the Expo will enable Goa to highlight its diverse offerings—from wellness and nature-based experiences to cinematic exposure and dynamic nightlife—while engaging with global industry leaders to strengthen its presence in key international markets.

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, added that the Expo provides a crucial opportunity to promote Goa’s expanding tourism services and contemporary travel experiences. The delegation aims to highlight improvements in tourism infrastructure, foster international partnerships, and position Goa as a destination that offers both quality and authenticity.

Goa will spotlight a diversified tourism portfolio, including emerging trends such as nocto tourism, which curates safe and vibrant nightlife zones featuring music, culture, and local gastronomy. Film and screen tourism will also be showcased, emphasizing Goa’s appearances in films, OTT series, and international productions. Additionally, calmcations—focused on wellness, Ayurveda retreats, and tranquil nature getaways—will underscore Goa’s appeal to travelers seeking rest and rejuvenation.

The Expo will also highlight enhancements in visitor infrastructure, digital tourism services, heritage precinct development, water-based tourism, hinterland experiences, adventure activities, and community-led tourism initiatives. These efforts reflect Goa’s broader focus on regenerative tourism, ensuring that tourism growth benefits local communities while safeguarding cultural and natural heritage.

Goa Tourism’s participation at the Qatar Travel & Tourism Expo 2025 marks a significant step in global outreach, showcasing the state as a destination that combines sustainability, innovation, and cultural vibrancy. By engaging with travel partners, industry stakeholders, and international visitors, Goa reaffirms its commitment to delivering enriching, memorable, and future-ready travel experiences.

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

Tanisha Cardozo

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.

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Goa Showcases Regenerative Tourism at ITB Asia 2025, Positions Itself as ‘Gateway to All Possibilities’

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa made a strong international impression at ITB Asia 2025, positioning itself as the “Gateway to All Possibilities” through an immersive presentation of its regenerative tourism model and a wide array of authentic, sustainable, and premium tourism experiences. The Goa pavilion was inaugurated by Dr. Shilpak Ambule, High Commissioner of India to Singapore, in the presence of senior officials from the Department of Tourism and Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC).

Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte emphasized Goa’s leadership in being the first Indian state to adopt Regenerative Tourism — a framework that ensures tourism development strengthens local communities, protects ecosystems, and preserves cultural identity. Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, reinforced Goa’s commitment to positioning itself as a year-round, globally preferred destination across leisure, wellness, adventure, and MICE tourism.

Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, MD of GTDC, delivered a compelling presentation highlighting Goa’s strategic strengths: 10.4 million tourist arrivals in 2024, including nearly half a million international visitors; a 16.4% contribution to the state’s GDP from tourism; and support to over 35% of the local workforce. Goa’s connectivity — including two international airports, robust rail and highway networks, and advanced cruise terminals — was showcased as a key enabler for inbound growth.

The Goa delegation interacted with stakeholders from key tourism markets including Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, the USA, Spain, Mauritius, Dubai, and Taiwan, initiating collaborations to drive inbound tourism and boost Goa’s global profile. Exhibiting partners like Concord Exotic Voyages and Minar Travels Goa also showcased curated premium travel experiences and itineraries.

Goa’s eco-tourism offerings took center stage, with focused promotions on nature-based experiences such as Bondla Zoo, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Dudhsagar Waterfall, and eco-stays like Silvan Cottages. These initiatives are part of a broader push to highlight Goa’s lesser-explored hinterlands, diversify tourist interest beyond beaches, and encourage responsible tourism.

Visitors at the pavilion explored Goa’s diverse tourism layers: regulated water sports, bungee jumping, kayaking, caravan tourism, homestays, agro-tourism, vibrant festivals like Carnival and Shigmo, Ayurveda retreats, yoga hubs, culinary richness, flea markets, and arts festivals like IFFI and Serendipity.

Goa’s regenerative tourism vision is about crafting experiences that are immersive and inclusive while ensuring that tourism becomes a force for good. By balancing economic growth with environmental protection and cultural preservation, Goa is shaping a future-forward, resilient tourism model.

Its participation at ITB Asia 2025 reaffirms its commitment to global engagement, destination transformation, and creating a tourism ecosystem where every journey nurtures the destination’s soul — making Goa not just a place to visit, but a way to travel.

Travel

Goa Tourism Expands Global Footprint with Successful ‘Experience Goa’ Roadshow in Tashkent

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa, 17th September 2025 – The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, marked another milestone in its international outreach efforts with the successful completion of its exclusive ‘Experience Goa’ Roadshow in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Held at the prestigious City Palace on September 15, the roadshow was designed to deepen tourism ties and showcase Goa as a world-class, year-round travel destination that offers far more than just sun and sand.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from Uzbekistan’s leading tour operators, travel agents, airline representatives, and local dignitaries. Attendees engaged directly with Goa Tourism representatives through interactive sessions and business networking opportunities, aimed at fostering long-term collaborations and driving inbound tourism.

In his address to the audience, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, emphasized Goa’s evolution into a destination that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability. He noted that the Tashkent roadshow had opened up new avenues for cooperation and cultural exchange, inviting Uzbek travelers to explore Goa’s rich tapestry of heritage, festivals, wellness experiences, and adventure activities.

Adding his perspective, Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, reiterated that the roadshow had reinforced Goa’s positioning as a destination for authentic and immersive experiences. He highlighted the potential for continued engagement with the Uzbek travel sector to build mutually beneficial tourism partnerships.

The Tashkent showcase brought special focus to Goa’s signature initiatives like “Goa Beyond Beaches” and “Regenerative Tourism,” both of which reflect the state’s commitment to promoting sustainable and community-driven tourism. Attendees were introduced to Goa’s wide range of offerings—ranging from heritage trails and cultural festivals to yoga retreats, eco-resorts, and offbeat adventures.

By highlighting these multifaceted experiences, the roadshow successfully communicated Goa’s identity as a global destination that is both timeless and modern. The event concluded with renewed interest from the Uzbek travel industry in establishing Goa as a priority destination in their travel portfolios.

With this strategic initiative, Goa Tourism continues to broaden its global footprint and forge new international partnerships, staying true to its vision of responsible tourism that brings value to both visitors and local communities.

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Goa Tourism to Strengthen Domestic Outreach with Showcase at TTF Hyderabad 2025

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H. Team Allycaral

Goa Tourism is gearing up to showcase a refreshed and redefined identity at the Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) Hyderabad 2025, scheduled to be held on 19th and 20th September at the Hyderabad International Convention Center. Moving beyond the well-known image of sun, sand, and sea, the state is presenting a deeper, richer travel narrative under the theme “Goa Beyond Beaches”.

At this year’s TTF, the Goa Tourism pavilion will highlight immersive, regenerative tourism experiences. Visitors can explore a variety of offerings that range from hinterland trails, monsoon tourism, spiritual circuits, and wellness retreats to village life, cultural festivals, and adventure tourism. These elements reflect the government’s commitment to sustainable and community-focused tourism.

Honourable Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized the state’s evolving identity. “Goa is evolving beyond its iconic beaches to emerge as a destination that is vibrant, diverse, and sustainable. Our focus is on tourism that creates authentic and memorable experiences for visitors while supporting local communities and preserving our environment. Our aim at TTF Hyderabad is to connect with a wide network of travel agents, operators, and corporates who play a crucial role in shaping travel choices,” he said. He invited Goa’s travel trade partners to join in promoting a forward-looking, inclusive, and sustainable tourism vision.

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, echoed these sentiments, stating, “We are showcasing Goa at TTF Hyderabad as a destination for every traveller — whether it’s culture, heritage, wellness, adventure, or eco-tourism. Goa offers authentic and memorable experiences throughout the year.”

The Goa Tourism showcase at TTF Hyderabad 2025 reflects a strong focus on partnerships, storytelling, and innovation. The goal is to deepen engagement with the domestic market and promote experiences that are memorable, meaningful, and mindful — aligning with the broader global movement toward responsible and regenerative travel.

This participation is part of a broader domestic outreach strategy that aims to position Goa as a year-round destination rooted in tradition, sustainability, and innovation.