Goa – Goa Tourism marked a grand opening on the first day of WTM London 2024 at Booth N11-400, ExCeL London, highlighting Goa’s exceptional offerings that make it a globally cherished destination. The Pavilion was inaugurated by His Excellency Shri. Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner to the UK, along with Honorable Tourism Minister of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Secretary Tourism, Shri. Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS.
The Goa Pavilion, a vibrant representation of the state’s multicultural heritage and pristine landscapes, invited visitors to experience the “Goa Beyond Beaches” initiative, which includes adventure, wellness, spiritual, and hinterland tourism. The Pavilion underscores Goa’s focus on sustainable and regenerative tourism, offering visitors a holistic view of the state’s efforts to preserve its natural and cultural heritage.
At WTM London 2024, Honorable Tourism Minister of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, led a highly engaging press conference to share Goa’s vision for a sustainable and innovative future in tourism. Emphasizing Goa’s dedication to conserving its natural beauty while enhancing authentic visitor experiences, he called upon the global travel community to embrace Goa’s unique offerings through the Goa Beyond Beaches initiative. “Goa is not just a destination but a vibrant experience, woven from the threads of our rich heritage, natural beauty, and forward-thinking approach to tourism. We’re proud to showcase Goa beyond its beaches, inviting the world to explore our cultural depth, wellness offerings, and adventure pursuits,” he stated.
The Minister continued, “The desire for tranquility, immersive experiences, and deeper connections with destinations has grown among tourists, and we must adapt to meet these evolving expectations. Over the past few years, while Goa has been widely celebrated for its beaches, sun, sand, sea, and iconic sites like Old churches and renowned temples, we are now actively promoting the lesser-known parts of Goa. These hidden gems include our beautiful hinterlands and ecotourism opportunities, such as charming homestays supported by thoughtful policies to enhance and sustain these experiences.”
Secretary Tourism, Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, also expressed his enthusiasm, adding, “This holistic vision—focusing on eco-conscious travel and community empowerment—redefines Goa as a model for responsible tourism. This pavilion reflects our vision to promote Goa as a leading example of regenerative tourism. We are thrilled to share our initiatives and connect with industry partners to shape memorable travel experiences.”
The inaugural ceremony was marked by a warm welcome to the esteemed guests, Smt. Pravati Parida, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha; and Mugdha Sinha, IAS, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
The Goa Tourism pavilion invites travel professionals, media representatives, and industry leaders to experience the state’s diverse attractions, from its serene beaches and heritage sites to wellness retreats and adventure offerings. This year’s participation at WTM London reaffirms Goa’s commitment to shaping a tourism landscape that celebrates its rich legacy, protects its environment, and empowers local communities—setting a new benchmark for sustainable tourism in India and beyond.
