Goa, March 2024: Goa Tourism has garnered international acclaim at ITB Berlin 2024, receiving esteemed honors that highlight its global tourism prominence. The "Destination of the Year" award was presented to Goa Tourism at the prestigious PATWA Travel Award Ceremony at ITB Berlin, recognizing the state's enchanting cultural heritage and welcoming charm that continues to captivate travelers from around the globe.

Additionally, Shri. Rohan A. Khaunte, the Honorable Minister for Tourism of the Government of Goa, was awarded the "Tourism Minister of the Year" at the PATWA Travel Awards. This accolade acknowledges Shri. Khaunte's visionary leadership and dedication to promoting sustainable tourism in Goa, contributing significantly to the region's socio-economic development.

The awards were accepted by Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Secretary Tourism, Government of Goa, during a ceremony in Berlin, Germany. Mr. Ahuja expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized Goa Tourism's efforts in showcasing the state's diverse attractions and commitment to sustainable tourism practices.

Goa has taken a pioneering step in India by adopting Regenerative Tourism, including aspects of Spiritual Tourism as part of its tourism strategy. These initiatives aim to rejuvenate and enhance the state's natural and cultural assets, offering visitors a holistic and enriching experience.

The Department of Tourism remains dedicated to promoting sustainable and regenerative tourism practices, improving visitor experiences, and strengthening Goa's position as a leading global destination.

The tourism minister meanwhile, will serve as the vice-chairperson.

The government has accepted a proposal by the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) to have the chief minister head the tourism board instead of the tourism minister. A notification pertaining to the constitution of the board is likely to be issued shortly, a government official said.

The tourism minister meanwhile, will serve as the vice-chairperson.

TTAG had earlier opposed the Goa Tourism Policy 2020 proposition to name the tourism minister as the chairperson of the board. It has been conveyed to the government that naming the chief minister of the state as chairperson would help obtain speedy approvals for bigger projects requiring authorization from departments that are not in the domain of the tourism minister.

Constitution of the tourism board will be crucial for the implementation of the tourism master plan, a vision document that’s aimed at the development of the state’s tourism sector.

An official said that once the board is constituted, it will take crucial decisions regarding marketing and promotions as well as choosing projects for the hospitality sector, with the tourism master plan serving as the basis.

The master plan has broadly outlined that the destination has to diversify its interests by presenting cultural, heritage, eco-tourism, nature, coastal and other attractions, and not merely focus on coastal tourism.

The official said that while another side of Goa is being presented to tourists, efforts are piecemeal. Promoting nature, eco-tourism, for instance, will not progress full steam unless a proper ecosystem is created, he said. “The concept of homestays is yet to be established here. If facilities are made available, I’m sure tourists will grab the opportunity to explore the villages.”