Goa renews products with new alliances

Travel today is about immersive experiences, cultural exchanges and global collaboration. Goa, known for its sun, sand and beaches, is now repositioning itself as a destination to attract global travellers with improved air connectivity, cruise terminals and streamlined visa processes.

TT Bureau

Goa is positioning itself at the forefront of global tourism, embracing strategic collaborations and creating immersive travel experiences. Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, IT, E&C, and Printing and Stationery, Government of Goa, highlights the state’s growing stature in the global tourism landscape. “We are the first state in India to champion regenerative tourism, ensuring that tourism benefits both visitors and local communities,” he said.

Experiential tourism in vogue

Khaunte noted that post-pandemic travel expectations have changed, with travellers seeking immersive experiences over simple sightseeing. “Tourism today is not just about checking places off a list, it’s about cultural exchanges and fostering global collaboration that leads to shared growth,” he said.

Khaunte said that India’s growing outbound travel market is reshaping global tourism dynamics. “Indians rank among the highest-travelling nationals, prompting more countries to offer visa-free and visa-on-arrival access to Indian tourists. But tourism is a two-way street. Every Indian tourist abroad inspires international travellers to visit India,” he explained.

Enhancing accessibility

Goa is making travel to India more accessible through improved air connectivity, cruise terminals and streamlined visa processes. “The era of tourism being a zero-sum game is over. One country’s growth benefits another. The more Indians explore the world, the more global travellers are drawn to India,” he noted.

Building global partnerships

Goa has been proactive in building strategic alliances to enhance its tourism offerings. “In the past year alone, we have signed about 12 MoUs, each designed to strengthen our tourism ecosystem,” Khaunte shared. One of the most notable collaborations has been with Airbnb, making Goa the first Indian state to sign an MoU with the platform. “This initiative focuses on building capacity for homestays and empowering local communities,” Khaunte revealed.

Martin Joseph Thypodath, Chairman, IATO Goa Chapter and Managing Director, Freedom Holidays, said, “Goa Tourism’s initiatives, such as early shack allotments, hinterland tourism promotion and global trade fair participation, have significantly boosted the industry. These efforts create more business opportunities for travel agents, helping us attract international and domestic travellers. The structured approach ensures better regulation, increased visibility and sustained growth for all stakeholders.” Thypodath added, “Additionally, regenerative tourism is gaining momentum, focusing on eco-tourism, heritage tourism and empowering local communities through homestays and cultural experiences. By promoting responsible tourism, Goa is not just sustaining its natural and cultural heritage but actively improving it.”