PANAJI: The Department of Tourism, Goa, had the privilege of participating in the Western & Central States/Union Territories Tourism Ministers Conference organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India at Taj Cidade Goa Horizon.
This high-level meeting brought together Union Tourism Minister, GOI, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for the State for Tourism, GOI, Shri. Suresh Gopi, Union Tourism Secretary, GOI, Smt. V. Vidyavathi, Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister, Rajasthan, Smt. Diya Kumari, Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Madhya Pradesh, Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, Tourism Minister, Chattisgarh, Kedar Kashyap, along with other officials from across states and union territories to discuss collaborative strategies for advancing tourism across the region.
The Minister of Tourism, Rohan A. Khaunte, along with the Director of Tourism, Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, represented the state at this significant gathering. In his keynote address, Tourism Minister Khaunte outlined his visionary roadmap for positioning Goa as a leader in sustainable and regenerative tourism, while fostering collaboration to enhance the national tourism landscape. He also presented a video that introduced the delegation to Real Goa.
Union Tourism Minister, GOI, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, emphasized the pivotal role of tourism and significant growth in the industry stating, “We must strive to enrich our tourism landscape through new avenues such as local cuisine, immersive walking and pilgrimage trails, and unique experiential tourism. By embracing these elements and learning from each other’s strengths and practices, we can further elevate our tourism industry and foster a more connected, vibrant global community.”
Union Minister for the State for Tourism, GOI, Suresh Gopi also expressed his views during the conference. Additionally, Ministers and Secretaries/Directors from other states delivered presentations on tourism in their respective regions.
Championing Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism, Goa is set to become a model for sustainable and regenerative tourism in India. Tourism Minister Khaunte emphasized the state’s commitment to green tourism practices, cultural preservation, and community-driven initiatives that benefit both tourists and locals. He noted that the recent G20 discussions have further guided the state in crafting a sustainable roadmap for the future.
Moving beyond its reputation as a beach destination, Goa aims to offer a wider range of experiences — from luxury stays and wellness retreats to adventure activities, cultural tourism, and hinterland exploration. The introduction of future projects like the Lord Parashuram Monument and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum reflects Goa’s efforts to promote non-beach tourism, making it a year-round destination.
Goa’s vision includes strengthening ties with other states and union territories to create a cohesive tourism strategy. By sharing best practices, resources, and data, the aim is to elevate India’s overall tourism experience and position the country as a global leader in diverse tourism offerings. The Minister discussed new initiatives, including projects like a 5-star wedding destination hotel and the management of iconic sites such as Fort Aguada. These initiatives aim to attract investment, boost innovation, and enhance the quality of tourism infrastructure in Goa.
Highlighting Goa’s recent accolades, the Minister emphasized that Goa has altogether won over 12 prestigious awards in the past two years, including the Today’s Traveller Awards, PATWA Award, Most Innovative Product Award for Regenerative Tourism, ET Travel Awards, and the National Tourism Award. These achievements underscore Goa’s status as a premier destination for varied tourism experiences.
Goa is setting high standards for tourism development, with a commitment to continuous innovation and quality enhancement. The Minister introduced future attractions, such as a 3D video showcasing Goa’s unique Lord Parashuram Iconic Monument (structured as a bow and arrow) and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum, along with plans for a World Class Oceanarium as a new anchor for adventure tourism.
The Department of Tourism, Goa, reaffirmed its dedication to promoting a collaborative approach with other states and union territories, enhancing the overall tourism experience in India while advocating for sustainable practices. Goa will continue to participate actively in national and international tourism forums, expand its market presence, and forge innovative partnerships that ensure growth, safety, and security for all visitors.
