Panaji: The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya and Research Centre (GAMRC), Shiroda, to strengthen and promote wellness tourism in the State.
The MoU was signed at Paryatan Bhavan, Patto, in the presence of Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte. Also present were Director of Tourism Kedar Ashok Naik, Principal of GAMRC Dr Neelesh Pramod Korde, President of the Goa Council of Ayurvedic and Allied Indian Systems of Medicine Dr Sneha Bhagwat, Deputy Director AYUSH Dr Minal Joshi, Vice President Dr Dharmendra Desai and officiating registrar Dr Joy Periera.
Under the agreement, the Department of Tourism and GAMRC will work together to promote Ayurveda and yoga-based wellness tourism through customised wellness packages and joint marketing initiatives at the national and international level. The collaboration also includes plans to develop wellness tourism infrastructure such as Ayurveda and yoga centres at tourism properties, establish AYUSH information cells, create promotional material and undertake training, research and knowledge exchange programmes.
Speaking on the occasion, Khaunte said wellness tourism was emerging as a key component of Goa’s tourism landscape, adding that the partnership would help combine traditional knowledge systems with organised tourism development to offer authentic wellness experiences.
Naik said the MoU would provide a structured framework for coordinated efforts in promotion, training and knowledge sharing, while supporting wellness-related initiatives aligned with the State’s tourism goals.
The agreement is expected to facilitate capacity building and the development of structured wellness offerings, further positioning Goa as a destination for holistic and wellness-based tourism.
