Latest news with #GoaBeyondBeaches'
News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
Goa govt launches Homestay and Bed and Breakfast Scheme
Agency: PTI Last Updated: Panaji, Aug 7 (PTI) The Goa government on Thursday launched its 'Homestay and Bed and Breakfast Scheme' to boost rural and community-based tourism. Under the scheme, which was formally launched by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant at the Secretariat in Porvorim, local residents operating homestays in hinterland areas will be offered financial incentives and support. 'The Homestay Scheme is focused on promoting hinterland tourism and empowering women operators by giving them a platform to showcase their offerings. It will improve access to wildlife sanctuaries and village destinations," Sawant said. Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte highlighted the scheme's alignment with the state's 'Goa Beyond Beaches' vision. 'This is a focused effort to empower women and promote community-based tourism. Most homestays are run by women, and this scheme will strengthen their role in the tourism economy," he said. The minister said MoUs with platforms like Airbnb and ongoing training programmes will help scale up rural tourism in Goa. State Tourism Director Kedar Naik said the scheme is aimed at promoting regenerative tourism and empowering women and youth entrepreneurs. 'The scheme marks a strategic shift from policy to implementation. It offers both fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, simplified registration, quality classification of homestays, and promotional support through the state tourism department's platforms. Under the scheme, eligible establishments in Sattari, Sanguem, Dharbandora, Bicholim, Canacona, Ponda, and Quepem talukas will receive a one-time grant of Rs 2 lakh," Naik said. 'They will also benefit from training, marketing assistance, and subsidised participation in tourism trade fairs. The scheme will be valid for five years and may be extended further," he added. Bicholim MLA Chandrakant Shetye, Mayem MLA Premendra Shet, Tourism Secretary Sanjeev Ahuja, among others, were present at the event. PTI RPS BNM view comments First Published: August 07, 2025, 22:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
03-08-2025
- News18
Goa wins excellence award at TTF for hinterland tourism campaign
Panaji, Aug 3 (PTI) Goa has won the Excellence Award for its hinterland tourism campaign at the recently held Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) in Gujarat, an official said on Sunday. The award for the 'Goa Beyond Beaches' campaign was presented at the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar during the TTF, which concluded on Saturday, said state Tourism Director Kedar Naik. He said the state is honoured to receive this recognition. 'The 'Goa Beyond Beaches' campaign is part of our mission to create a more inclusive, responsible, and diversified tourism experience," he said. Naik said the award validates the tourism department's ongoing efforts to make Goa an all-year-round destination anchored in sustainability, culture, and community participation. The display also put the spotlight on Goa's vibrant festival calendar, from Chikhal Kalo and Sao Joao to Shigmo, Spirit of Goa, and Carnaval, all of which are attracting experiential travellers from across India, he added. PTI RPS ARU view comments First Published: August 03, 2025, 09:45 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Goa Tourism: Goa intensifies focus on weekday travel, curated cultural experiences for 2025, ET TravelWorld
Advt By , ETTravelWorld Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis. Download ETTravelWorld App Get Realtime updates Save your favourite articles Scan to download App Goa's Department of Tourism is set to launch a comprehensive 20-week monsoon campaign, as Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte chaired a high-level strategy meeting on Monday. The session, held with participation from GTDC, TTAG, online travel agencies, and hospitality leaders, aimed to realign Goa's image during the off-season and define a collaborative roadmap for alongside Director of Tourism Kedar Naik and GTDC MD Kuldeep Arolkar, the Minister emphasised the importance of a united digital promotion strategy . A unified hashtag and themed weekly promotions will anchor the campaign, while hoteliers were urged to roll out targeted weekday and weekend packages.'This roadmap has taken shape after extensive discussions with OTA and airline partners like Airbnb and Agoda,' said Minister Khaunte. 'Despite temporary setbacks following recent events, Goa remains resilient and committed to promoting immersive monsoon experiences.'The campaign falls under the broader 'Goa Beyond Beaches' initiative, which highlights cultural festivals such as Sao Joao and Chikal Kalo. The government plans to shift perception of monsoon from off-season to an experiential travel opportunity for families, solo travellers, students, and women the meeting, stakeholders also discussed addressing misleading promotional content and regulating digital portrayals of Goa. The Minister called for authentic storytelling that reflects Goa's cultural essence and committed to regulatory oversight where UAE was identified as a key international source market, and plans to strengthen market connections and airline-hotel packaging are underway. A follow-up meeting will take place this week to finalise contributions from hoteliers and OTAs. An additional session scheduled for next Monday will focus on restaurant promotion, cultural tourism, and theme-based offerings.'This is not just about filling rooms but curating meaningful travel experiences,' said Khaunte, adding that long-term planning would be undertaken in coordination with the Chief Minister. 'Everyone loves Goa—we just need to ensure the world sees the right version of it.'
