Tag Archives: Goa Tourism

To highlight Goa as an international tourist destination, the state is planning to conduct roadshows in Poland, Georgia, and Kazakhstan. The state’s tourism department is expected to spend ₹2 crore on the roadshows to enhance the foreign tourist influx attracting visitors of all segments and ages.

As part of the global celebrations for World Tourism Day, the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) and Skal International, in collaboration with Goa Tourism, have organised a series of exciting and enriching activities on 27th September to highlight Goa’s cultural and historical heritage. With this year’s theme focusing on Tourism & Peace, three exclusive heritage walks have been curated to offer a deep dive into Goa’s rich history and local life. These walks are open to all, providing a unique opportunity to explore Goa like never before. In addition to the heritage walks, an exciting highlight of the celebrations includes the launch of a coffee table book at the cooking competition “Goencho Swad” by the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM). This event not only showcases Goa’s culinary traditions but also adds a literary touch, offering insights into the state’s diverse cultural and gastronomic heritage. Suneel Andhaka, IAS, Director, Tourism & Managing, GTDC stated “World Tourism Day is an opportunity to celebrate not just the beauty of Goa, but the stories, culture, and heritage that make it unique. Through initiatives like the Heritage Walks and the Stakeholders Meet, we aim to promote responsible tourism that respects our environment and communities while offering enriching experiences for travellers.” Jack Sukija, President, Travel & Tourism Association, Goa (TTAG) “These World Tourism Day events are designed to deepen the connection between visitors and Goa’s rich cultural heritage. By exploring our historic sites and engaging with local communities, we aim to foster a more immersive and sustainable approach to tourism that benefits both travellers and locals alike. We will also invite all our stakeholders from the travel trade to celebrate this year at the …

More than 20 travel industry specialists travelled down to Goa onboard FLY91 and were hosted at IHCL’s Goa Resorts during the familiarisation trip.  The familiarisation trip is aimed at promoting Goa, which is focused on sustainable and regenerative tourism, as an immersive leisure tourism destination with diverse potential to host destination weddings and MICE events.  During the familiarisation trip to Goa onboard FLY91, travel operators were acquainted with the airline’s customisable travel arrangements for large travel groups, including weddings and MICE events  In a move aimed at enhancing the Goa experience beyond the state’s beaches, India’s pure-play regional airline, FLY91, has partnered with Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) to offer an enriched and multi-faceted travel experience to the coastal state.    To showcase this vision, FLY91 and IHCL recently organised a familiarisation trip for a delegation of leading travel agents and event planners from Hyderabad, that is designed to provide firsthand experience of Goa’s hospitality and regional connectivity, already reckoned as a leading destination for weddings, leisure, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).  As part of the familiarisation trip, the delegation of travel industry stakeholders who flew down to Goa onboard FLY91 were hosted at IHCL’s multiple properties, namely Taj Fort Aguada Resort and Spa and Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon. During the trip the team visited Taj Holiday Village Resort and Spa, Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage and the Taj Exotica Resort and Spa.  This collaboration is a key step in building a sustainable tourism model that combines luxury accommodation with seamless travel options, ensuring Goa remains a sought-after destination. It aims to enhance the visitor experience by showcasing that Goa offers much more than just its beaches and …

Uzbekistan Airways has officially announced the commencement of direct flights from Tashkent to Goa, set to operate twice a week from 27 October 2024. The new route, serviced by the advanced Airbus A320 Neo, will connect Tashkent to the Manohar International Airport (Mopa), opening up new avenues for tourism and cultural exchange between Uzbekistan and Goa. The introduction of these flights comes after consistent follow-ups with the Uzbekistan Embassy and tour operators and with crucial support from the Indian Embassy in Tashkent. The concerted efforts of the Goa Department of Tourism have played a critical role in making this connection a reality. In line with these efforts to expand Goa’s global reach, Goa Tourism will also be participating in the upcoming Tashkent International Tourism Fair (TITF). Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for Tourism welcomed this initiative, stating, “The introduction of direct flights from Tashkent to Goa marks a significant milestone in enhancing Goa’s connectivity with Central Asia. This new connection will not only boost tourism but also strengthen our cultural ties with Uzbekistan. We are committed to developing Goa as a well-connected and accessible destination for travellers worldwide.” Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director Tourism, Managing Director, GTDC, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, saying, “Uzbekistan Airways’ decision to commence flights to Goa underscores the growing global interest in our state as a prime tourism destination. This direct connectivity will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for visitors from Uzbekistan, making Goa more accessible and inviting.” This new route aligns with the state’s broader strategy to diversify the tourist base and promote Goa as a year-round destination. The Department of Tourism looks forward to welcoming an influx of tourists from Uzbekistan and showcasing Goa’s unique blend …

Rohan Khaunte, Minister, Goa Tourism, met with Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, Govt of India, to discuss improving international connectivity and expediting the PRASHAD scheme for the Basilica of Bom Jesus. He emphasised the need for more direct international flights and robust support from the Centre to enhance Goa’s tourism infrastructure and promotional efforts to attract more foreign visitors.

Expressing their dismay against the proposal of 2 per cent sustainability fee, TTAG wrote to Goa’s Tourism Department stating, “Imposition of 2 per cent levy on every invoice will adversely affect our competitiveness and the compliance burden will increase. No other tourism destination in India’s inbound market levies such a fee.”

Goa Tourism’s pavilion at ATM 2024 was the centre of activity, attracting buyers from around the globe. The pavilion provided a valuable opportunity for the co-exhibitors to showcase their offerings and forge valuable partnerships. From community-based projects to conservation efforts, the aim is to highlight the holistic approach that underpins the vision for sustainable tourism.

The Great Indian Travel Bazaar 2024, served as a pivotal platform for Goa Tourism which was held from May 5th-7th, 2024 in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This prestigious event gathered travel agents, tour operators, hoteliers, and other influential stakeholders from all around the world, to not only highlight but also explore the diverse and rich tapestry of India’s tourism offerings. At GITB, Goa Tourism’s presentation emerged as a focal point, captivating attendees and sparking their imaginations with the promise of unforgettable experiences. With its pristine coastlines, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant entertainment scene, Goa enraptured travelers from around the globe. Led by dedicated delegates such as Mr. Sanjeev Ahuja, Secretary Tourism, Government of Goa Mr. Dhiraj Vagle, Deputy Director Tourism, Government of Goa, and Mr. Akshay Govekar, Manager Marketing, GTDC, the delegation showcased the essence of the state through captivating display, leaving an indelible impression on all those present. Their efforts not only drew attention to Goa’s unique offerings but also reaffirmed its status as a premier travel destination within India. At GITB 2024, Goa Tourism’s pavilion stood as a beacon of immersive experiences, showcasing not only the state’s picturesque beaches and vibrant culture but also its commitment to Regenerative Tourism. Leveraging cutting-edge technology such as virtual reality and interactive screens, visitors could experience the serene landscapes and cultural gems of Goa. The pavilion didn’t just highlight the typical tourist attractions; it delved deeper into the essence of Regenerative Tourism, showcasing Goa’s sustainable initiatives and community-driven projects. From eco-conscious accommodations to organic farming experiences, Goa Tourism emphasized its dedication to preserving the environment and supporting local communities. As visitors immersed themselves in the interactive displays, they delved into Goa’s multifaceted allure, discovering …

Goa Tourism proudly commenced its journey in the esteemed Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2024, one of the world’s premier travel and tourism events. With the kickstarting of ATM Dubai, Goa Tourism’s pavilion has become a hub of activity, attracting buyers from around the globe. This presents a remarkable opportunity for all our co-exhibitors to showcase their offerings and forge valuable partnerships. Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director Tourism, Govt. of Goa and Managing Director of Goa Tourism Development Corporation, expressed his delight at the successful launch of the event’s first day, stating, “The ongoing ATM Dubai event has ignited an exciting journey for Goa Tourism. It’s invigorating to see such enthusiastic engagement from visitors and buyers, setting a promising tone for the remaining days. With anticipation high, we look forward to even greater levels of interaction and collaboration over the next few days of the event.” As anticipation builds for increased engagement over the coming days at ATM Dubai, Goa Tourism is eager to spotlight its distinctive approach to Regenerative Tourism through pavilion number AS7259 at Hall 7. With a focus on sustainability and immersion, visitors can expect a glimpse into the state’s rich tapestry of travel experiences. From the tranquil depths of spiritual tourism to the vibrant ensemble of Goa beyond its famed beaches, including its lush hinterland, the showcase promises to unveil the multifaceted essence of this coastal gem. Through innovative initiatives and strategic partnerships, the team is committed to demonstrating how Goa’s brand of Regenerative Tourism has the power to redefine the travel landscape, offering both visitors and locals alike a deeper, more meaningful connection to this beloved destination. As ATM Dubai 2024 unfolds, Goa Tourism eagerly anticipates …

Recently, Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, said that to boost the tourist numbers, “we are endeavouring to showcase Goa’s myriad offerings to foster a deeper understanding of the state’s cultural and natural wealth apart from coastline through green investments, and Goa beyond beaches.”