Department of Tourism, Goa aims for sustainable and regenerative tourism in India

The Department of Tourism, Goa participated in the Western & Central States/Union Territories Tourism Ministers Conference organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India at Taj Cidade Goa Horizon. The high-level meeting brought together Union Tourism Minister, GOI, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for the State for Tourism, GOI, Suresh Gopi, Union Tourism Secretary, GOI, V Vidyavathi along with other officials from across states and union territories to discuss collaborative strategies for advancing tourism across the region.  

The Minister of Tourism, Rohan A Khaunte, along with the Director of Tourism, Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, represented the state at the gathering. In his keynote address, Khaunte outlined his roadmap for positioning Goa as a leader in sustainable and regenerative tourism, while fostering collaboration to enhance the national tourism landscape. He also presented a video that introduced the delegation to Real Goa.

Union Tourism Minister, GOI, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, stated, “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 is set to become a model for sustainable and regenerative tourism in India. Tourism Minister Khaunte emphasised the state's commitment to green tourism practices, cultural preservation, and community-driven initiatives that benefit both tourists and locals. Moving beyond its reputation as a beach destination, Goa aims to offer a wider range of experiences from luxury stays and wellness retreats to adventure activities, cultural tourism, and hinterland exploration. The introduction of future projects like the Lord Parashuram Monument and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum reflects the state’s efforts to promote non-beach tourism, making it a year-round destination.

Goa’s vision includes strengthening ties with other states and union territories to create a cohesive tourism strategy. By sharing best practices, resources, and data, the aim is to elevate India’s overall tourism experience and position the country as a global leader in diverse tourism offerings. The Minister discussed new initiatives, including projects like a five star wedding destination hotel and the management of iconic sites such as Fort Aguada. These initiatives aim to attract investment, boost innovation, and enhance the quality of tourism infrastructure in Goa.