Goa's Vision for Sustainable Tourism Highlighted at National Tourism Conference

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Industry Watch | September 2, 2024 | News

Taj Cidade Goa Horizon Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Rohan A. Khaunte

The Department of Tourism, Goa, participated in the Western & Central States/Union Territories Tourism Ministers Conference on 29 August 2024 organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India at Taj Cidade Goa Horizon. This 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, Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister, Rajasthan, Diya Kumari, Tourism Minister, Madhya Pradesh, Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, Tourism Minister, Chhattisgarh, Kedar Kashyap, 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 this significant gathering. In his keynote address, Tourism Minister Khaunte outlined his visionary 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, emphasized the pivotal role of tourism and significant growth in the industry stating, “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.”

Union Minister for the State for Tourism, GOI, Suresh Gopi also expressed his views during the conference. Additionally, Ministers and Secretaries/Directors from other states delivered presentations on tourism in their respective regions.

Championing Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism, Goa is set to become a model for sustainable and regenerative tourism in India. Tourism Minister Khaunte emphasized the state's commitment to green tourism practices, cultural preservation, and community-driven initiatives that benefit both tourists and locals. He noted that the recent G20 discussions have further guided the state in crafting a sustainable roadmap for the future.

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 Goa’s efforts to promote non-beach tourism, making it a year-round destination.

Goa aims to boost its tourism by collaborating with other states and union territories to share best practices and resources. New initiatives include developing a 5-star wedding hotel and enhancing iconic sites like Fort Aguada, all intended to attract investment, drive innovation, and improve tourism infrastructure.

The Department of Tourism, Goa, is focused on collaborating with other regions to enhance India's tourism, promote sustainability, and ensure visitor safety and growth through active participation in tourism forums and innovative partnerships.