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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Business Standard
Beyond beaches: Goa to promote temple visits under spiritual tourism drive
The Goa government is planning to provide a spiritual experience to visitors, away from the beaches, by promoting a pilgrimage circuit comprising 11 iconic temples in the state, officials said on Tuesday. These temples will be the highlight of the Goa Tourism's 'Ekadasha Teertha Yatra' campaign, they said. A meeting was held on Monday with representatives of all the 11 temples to discuss promotion of the pilgrimage circuit and resolve any coordination-related issues, Goa Tourism Director Kedar Naik told PTI. The 'Ekadasha Teertha Yatra' will cover the 11 temples representing Goa's rich spiritual legacy. These include Sri Manguesh Temple in Mangeshi (North Goa), Sri Mahalasa Narayani Temple in Mardol (North Goa), Mahadev Temple in Tambdi Surla (South Goa) and Sri Shantadurga Temple in Fatorpa (South Goa). As part of the pilgrimage circuit, tourists will be taken around four temples in a day, covering the entire journey in two-three days, Naik said. The visitors will also be taken to other tourist attractions nearby, providing them a holistic travel experience, he said. Naik said the committee members of the temples have welcomed the initiative and expressed support for its successful implementation. "They also provided valuable inputs to ensure that the spiritual sanctity of each temple is maintained while hosting tourists," he said. Naik said that 'Ekadasha Teertha' is not just a tourism product, it is a "journey of spiritual immersion, local engagement and cultural preservation". "We are grateful to the temple committees for their wholehearted support and valuable inputs, which will help us co-create a meaningful and respectful experience for all visitors," he added. The committees emphasised the importance of formulating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the visitors. They also recommended that tourist itineraries be planned carefully during temple festivals and utsavs, he said. Parking and traffic management emerged as another key concern, particularly when buses and large vehicles carrying tourists arrive at temple sites. The temple committees urged the tourism department to consider site-specific solutions to ensure smooth visitor movement and avoid congestion, Naik said. The Department of Tourism assured continued collaboration with all stakeholders to refine the yatra plan and uphold the core values of Goa's cultural and spiritual heritage, he said.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Goa to start new temple tour to draw tourists, promote spirituality
The Goa government is planning to provide a spiritual experience to visitors, away from the beaches, by promoting a pilgrimage circuit comprising 11 iconic temples in the state, officials said on Tuesday. These temples will be the highlight of the Goa Tourism's 'Ekadasha Teertha Yatra' campaign, they said. A meeting was held on Monday with representatives of all the 11 temples to discuss promotion of the pilgrimage circuit and resolve any coordination-related issues, Goa Tourism Director Kedar Naik told PTI. The 'Ekadasha Teertha Yatra' will cover the 11 temples representing Goa's rich spiritual legacy. These include Sri Manguesh Temple in Mangeshi (North Goa), Sri Mahalasa Narayani Temple in Mardol (North Goa), Mahadev Temple in Tambdi Surla (South Goa) and Sri Shantadurga Temple in Fatorpa (South Goa). As part of the pilgrimage circuit, tourists will be taken around four temples in a day, covering the entire journey in two-three days, Naik said. The visitors will also be taken to other tourist attractions nearby, providing them a holistic travel experience, he said. Also read: Use Goa's elaborate road infrastructure to attract more tourists: Nitin Gadkari Naik said the committee members of the temples have welcomed the initiative and expressed support for its successful implementation. "They also provided valuable inputs to ensure that the spiritual sanctity of each temple is maintained while hosting tourists," he said. Naik said that 'Ekadasha Teertha' is not just a tourism product, it is a "journey of spiritual immersion, local engagement and cultural preservation". "We are grateful to the temple committees for their wholehearted support and valuable inputs, which will help us co-create a meaningful and respectful experience for all visitors," he added. The committees emphasised the importance of formulating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the visitors. They also recommended that tourist itineraries be planned carefully during temple festivals and utsavs, he said. Parking and traffic management emerged as another key concern, particularly when buses and large vehicles carrying tourists arrive at temple sites. The temple committees urged the tourism department to consider site-specific solutions to ensure smooth visitor movement and avoid congestion, Naik said. The Department of Tourism assured continued collaboration with all stakeholders to refine the yatra plan and uphold the core values of Goa's cultural and spiritual heritage, he said.
The Print
4 days ago
- The Print
Beyond beaches: Goa to promote temple visits under spiritual tourism drive
A meeting was held on Monday with representatives of all the 11 temples to discuss promotion of the pilgrimage circuit and resolve any coordination-related issues, Goa Tourism Director Kedar Naik told PTI. These temples will be the highlight of the Goa Tourism's 'Ekadasha Teertha Yatra' campaign, they said. Panaji, Jun 17 (PTI) The Goa government is planning to provide a spiritual experience to visitors, away from the beaches, by promoting a pilgrimage circuit comprising 11 iconic temples in the state, officials said on Tuesday. The 'Ekadasha Teertha Yatra' will cover the 11 temples representing Goa's rich spiritual legacy. These include Sri Manguesh Temple in Mangeshi (North Goa), Sri Mahalasa Narayani Temple in Mardol (North Goa), Mahadev Temple in Tambdi Surla (South Goa) and Sri Shantadurga Temple in Fatorpa (South Goa). As part of the pilgrimage circuit, tourists will be taken around four temples in a day, covering the entire journey in two-three days, Naik said. The visitors will also be taken to other tourist attractions nearby, providing them a holistic travel experience, he said. Naik said the committee members of the temples have welcomed the initiative and expressed support for its successful implementation. 'They also provided valuable inputs to ensure that the spiritual sanctity of each temple is maintained while hosting tourists,' he said. Naik said that 'Ekadasha Teertha' is not just a tourism product, it is a 'journey of spiritual immersion, local engagement and cultural preservation'. 'We are grateful to the temple committees for their wholehearted support and valuable inputs, which will help us co-create a meaningful and respectful experience for all visitors,' he added. The committees emphasised the importance of formulating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the visitors. They also recommended that tourist itineraries be planned carefully during temple festivals and utsavs, he said. Parking and traffic management emerged as another key concern, particularly when buses and large vehicles carrying tourists arrive at temple sites. The temple committees urged the tourism department to consider site-specific solutions to ensure smooth visitor movement and avoid congestion, Naik said. The Department of Tourism assured continued collaboration with all stakeholders to refine the yatra plan and uphold the core values of Goa's cultural and spiritual heritage, he said. PTI RPS GK This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Regular recalibration with stakeholders is required to build a resilient tourism sector: Goa Tourism Minister, ET HospitalityWorld
Advt Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis. Download ETHospitalityWorld App Get Realtime updates Save your favourite articles Scan to download App In a proactive move to reinforce Goa's position as a premier tourism destination, the department of Tourism, Government of Goa , convened a high-level stakeholder meeting at Paryatan Bhavan , Panjim. The meeting was chaired by the minister for Tourism, Rohan A. Khaunte, and attended by key officials including Kedar Naik, director of Tourism; Kuldeep Arolkar, MD of GTDC; Shawn Mendes, OSD to the tourism minister; and leading members of the tourism industry and Goa Tourism his opening remarks, Khaunte emphasised the importance of timely and structured stakeholder engagements, particularly in light of national and regional developments. Referring to the recent Pahalgam incident in Kashmir, he noted, 'As the Hon'ble Prime Minister ensured a swift and resolute response through Operation Sindoor, it was equally important for us, as a tourism-driven state, to evaluate the ripple effects on travel sentiment. Today's meeting was not only about addressing current concerns, but also about building long-term resilience. We are moving from mere policy reviews to dynamic recalibrations that are responsive to ground realities. Goa's strength lies in its people—every Goan is a stakeholder, an influencer, and a tourism ambassador.'Director of tourism, Kedar Naik, underlined the department's commitment to listening, learning, and enabling. 'We are here to ensure that the voice of every stakeholder is heard. From formal hotels to homestays, from digital platforms to community operators—Goa Tourism belongs to all of them. The goal is to ensure that our policies remain inclusive, adaptive, and implementation-ready.'The department also shared encouraging data, with Goa witnessing a 10.5 percent year-on-year growth in tourist arrivals for the first quarter of 2025, rising from 25,80,155 in Q1 2024 to 28,51,554 in Q1 2025. While the month of April saw a marginal dip, the overall sentiment remains strong, and targeted strategies are being deployed to address seasonal and market-specific full-day series of sectoral and plenary sessions reflected the government's emphasis on collaborative governance . From understanding how the previous season unfolded, to jointly preparing for emerging challenges—whether geopolitical, geoeconomic, or geostrategic—the consultations reaffirmed Goa Tourism's commitment to collective foresight and stakeholders were informed that the Chief Minister will soon be chairing an interdepartmental meeting to drive a more coordinated response and lasting resolutions to the challenges at hand.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Tourist influx in Goa rises 10.5% in January-March after tourism dept implements outreach programmes
Goa has witnessed a 10.5 per cent growth in tourist influx during January-March 2025 after its tourism department implemented strategic outreach and partnership programmes. The state registered arrival of 28,51,554 visitors in the period against 25,80,155 travellers during the corresponding period of 2024, Goa Tourism said in a statement on Monday. #Operation Sindoor The damage done at Pak bases as India strikes to avenge Pahalgam Why Pakistan pleaded to end hostilities Kashmir's Pahalgam sparks Karachi's nightmare This growth is a three-pronged strategy by the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, strengthening promotion in core and emerging markets, expanding international air connectivity, and diversifying tourism offerings, it said. "Our success during the first quarter is not accidental - it is a result of deep partnerships, strategic planning, and consistent market outreach. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Modern and Economic Container Houses in the Philippines: 2025 Prices and Models LocalPlan Learn More Undo "Even as we stay alert to emerging dynamics, our goal remains clear - to make Goa a future-ready destination built on sustainability, connectivity, and meaningful visitor experiences," Goa's Minister for Tourism, IT, E&C, Rohan A Khaunte said.
