Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a major move to broaden the scope of tourism in the state, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, has joined hands with the Goa Forest Development Corporation (GFDC) to promote sustainable tourism in Goa’s hinterland.
The meeting, held in Panaji, was part of the government’s “Goa Beyond Beaches” vision, aimed at offering eco, adventure, wellness, and cultural tourism experiences that go beyond the state’s popular coastline.
The high-level meeting was chaired by Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and attended by Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism; Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director of GTDC; Dr. Divya Rane, Chairperson of GFDC; *Nandkumar Parab, Managing Director of GFDC; Amar Heblekar, General Manager of GFDC; and Shawn Mendes, Officer on Special Duty to the Tourism Minister.
Speaking at the meeting, Khaunte emphasized the importance of inter-departmental collaboration to unlock the potential of Goa’s rich natural and cultural resources. “If the Tourism Department and the Forest Department work in unison, a tremendous opportunity lies ahead for creating high-end, sustainable tourism experiences. This collaboration can serve as a blueprint for eco-tourism and nature-based experiences that benefit both locals and visitors,” he said.
GFDC Chairperson Dr. Divya Rane echoed the sentiment, calling for a shift in focus toward the state’s ecological and cultural hinterland. “We must now turn our focus inward to our waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, forest heritage, and eco-trails. Together, we can craft an entirely new narrative for Goa that is inclusive, regenerative, and future-facing,” she said.
The discussions highlighted the shared vision of both departments to position Goa as a year-round destination rooted in sustainability, wellness, and community engagement. The meeting concluded with a commitment to hold further deliberations in coordination with the Forest Minister and the Forest Department to translate ideas into actionable plans.
The initiative marks a significant step in reshaping Goa’s tourism narrative and strengthening its appeal to environmentally conscious travellers.
