Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI:
The Goa Tourism Department has highlighted its commitment to advancing sustainable and regenerative tourism. Speaking at the Western and Central States/Union Territories Tourism Ministers’ Conference organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said that the state is focusing on sustainable and regenerative tourism and will set a benchmark for the industry. “Goa is dedicated to green practices, cultural preservation, and community-driven projects, building on the G20 discussions to develop a robust sustainable tourism roadmap,” Khaunte said.
Present at the conference were Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of State for Tourism Gopi and senior officials from various states and union territories.
Khaunte, along with Goa Director of Tourism Suneel Anchipaka positioned the state as a leader in green tourism. In his address, Khaunte stressed on Goa’s dedication to fostering sustainable tourism practices while promoting efforts to enhance the national tourism landscape. Khaunte introduced “Real Goa” via a video presentation and showcased the state beyond beaches and the nightlife.
At the event, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted the importance of diversifying tourism experiences and said, “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.”
Goa’s focus on sustainable and regenerative tourism aims to set a benchmark for the hospitality industry. Goa has been highlighting its dedication to green practices, cultural preservation, and community-driven projects, building on the G20 discussions to develop a sustainable tourism roadmap. Moving beyond its reputation as a beach destination, Goa plans to offer diverse experiences including luxury stays, wellness retreats, adventure activities, and cultural tourism.
By fostering partnerships with other states and union territories, Goa aims to create a unified tourism strategy that enhances India’s global tourism profile, Khaunte highlighted and put the spotlight on new initiatives like a high-end wedding destination hotel and improved management of iconic sites like Fort Aguada. “These projects are intended to attract investments, drive innovation, and elevate tourism infrastructure in the state,” Khaunte said.
He also highlighted Goa’s recent achievements, like winning 12 awards in the past two years including Today’s Traveller Awards and the National Tourism Award, which reflect Goa’s status as a premier tourism destination.
Looking ahead, Khaunte stated that Goa is set to enhance its tourism offerings with innovative attractions like a 3D video of the Lord Parashuram, iconic monuments and a World Class Oceanarium. The Department of Tourism remains committed to promoting collaboration, expanding market presence, and ensuring a high-quality, sustainable tourism experience for visitors.
