Team Goemkarponn
MAPUSA: The Goa government will introduce certified tourist guide courses for youngsters as part of efforts to create new employment opportunities and strengthen the state’s tourism sector, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said.
Khaunte said the initiative would equip young people with professional skills to work as certified tourist guides and benefit from Goa’s growing tourism economy.
He said tourism was being diversified beyond conventional offerings, with greater emphasis on Goa’s culture, spirituality, wellness and regenerative tourism. According to the Minister, creating trained local guides would help provide visitors with better access to Goa’s history, heritage and cultural experiences while generating livelihood opportunities for local youth.
Khaunte said the government was also working to make tourism a year-round economic activity and was exploring new avenues to expand employment within the sector.
The Minister highlighted the role of tourism in supporting Goa’s economy following the decline of mining and said initiatives such as the single-window system and Ease of Doing Business measures had contributed to the sector’s growth.
He also stressed the importance of developing infrastructure and digital initiatives alongside tourism to support Goa’s broader economic growth.
Khaunte called upon youngsters to take advantage of emerging opportunities in tourism and contribute to the state’s development while preserving Goa’s cultural identity.
