Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Tourism Department is making strong efforts to promote responsible tourism in the state so that quality tourists can experience the all-round beauty of Goa, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte informed the Goa Legislative Assembly today.
He said that new initiatives are being introduced to promote spiritual, wellness, yoga, eco-tourism and rural tourism. At the same time, he made it clear that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards tourism activities that are illegal, objectionable, immoral, or that disturb public order, social harmony, or Goa’s cultural values.
The minister said that when the Tourism Department came to know about an event named “Kamasutra Christmas”, an immediate inquiry was conducted. He clarified that no permission had been granted by the department for such an event. At first glance, the programme appeared to promote obscene and objectionable activities under the guise of a spiritual gathering. Since it posed a threat to public order and law and order, a police complaint was filed, he said.
He further informed the House that the police were instructed to conduct an immediate investigation and take strict action against the organisers as per law, to prevent such activities and ensure public safety. This clearly reflects the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards illegal activities or those that disturb social harmony, Khaunte said.
The Tourism Minister was replying to a Calling Attention Motion raised in the Assembly by Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao and MLAs Vijay Sardesai, Viresh Borkar, Carlos Ferreira, and Venzy Viegas. He stated that the Tourism Department is continuously working to change the nature of tourism in Goa, moving away from irresponsible and low-value tourism, and instead focusing on quality, sustainable and culturally appropriate tourism.
He said special emphasis is being given to spiritual, wellness, heritage and nature-based tourism experiences. As part of this approach, several structured and strategic programmes have been launched. He added that the state has adopted the concept of “Beyond the Beaches Goa”.
The government is focusing on showcasing Goa’s temples, churches, heritage villages, cultural traditions, local cuisine, and lesser-known destinations. Under regenerative tourism initiatives, the focus is on responsible tourists, community participation, environmental conservation, and economic benefits for local people.
The Tourism Department is also promoting spiritual and wellness tourism – including yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, naturopathy, and holistic health experiences – within a regulated and culturally appropriate framework. Special emphasis is being placed on developing heritage and pilgrimage circuits that include temples, churches, and culturally important sites in Goa.
The department is also strengthening eco-tourism and nature-based tourism, including forest trails, waterfalls, biodiversity hotspots, and rural tourism clusters. To attract quality tourists, international marketing efforts have been increased.
Focusing on culturally sensitive markets, the department is promoting Goa in countries such as Norway, Denmark, Poland, and other European nations. Through advertisements, participation in international travel marts, roadshows, and digital campaigns, efforts are being made to increase the number of foreign tourists visiting Goa.
Finally, Khaunte warned that tourism development in Goa will be well-regulated, lawful, culturally respectful, and economically beneficial, and that strict action will be taken against anyone who damages the state’s image or compromises public morality and social order.
