Latest news with #GovernmentofGoa
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Time of India
Experience the Magic of Goa's Monsoon: Wellness, Nature, and Culture Await, ET TravelWorld
Advt By , ETTravelWorld Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals. Subscribe to Newsletter to get latest insights & analysis in your inbox. All about ETTravelWorld industry right on your smartphone! Download the ETTravelWorld App and get the Realtime updates and Save your favourite articles. The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa , has unveiled its seasonal campaign, #GlowOnArrival, to reposition Goa as a restorative monsoon destination focused on wellness, culture, and nature. The initiative is part of a broader effort to promote regenerative travel and draw attention to Goa's off-season campaign highlights the distinct appeal of Goa during the rains, when the state's green landscapes and overcast skies provide a serene backdrop for reflection and exploration. Experiences being promoted include heritage treks, forest walks, wellness and Ayurvedic therapies, and locally hosted homestays designed to foster slow, mindful travel.'This campaign is an invitation to rediscover Goa during its most magical season,' said Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa. 'Monsoon in Goa is not just about scenic beauty but about reconnecting with nature, embracing wellness, and experiencing the rich cultural warmth of our land. We welcome travellers to slow down, breathe, and leave with a glow that only Goa can offer.'To maintain engagement over the coming months, Goa Tourism has planned a series of thematic promotions that run from June to September. The line-up includes local festivals such as Sao Joao and Chikhal Kalo in June; traditional monsoon culinary experiences in July; eco-adventures including plantation trails and treks in August; and heritage drives, waterfall visits and museum tours coinciding with World Tourism Day in campaign will be rolled out across digital platforms and social media to reach both domestic and international travellers. By showcasing a slower, more immersive side of the state, the government aims to shift perceptions around the monsoon season and establish Goa as a rejuvenating travel alternative.
Hindustan Times
06-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Goa for monsoon trip: 8 hidden places to visit during the rainy season
Beach, water sports, hammocks, straw hats, and all the tropical vibes have been the quintessential image of Goa for long. Goa may be the ultimate tropical getaway in India, but there's another side to it; when the monsoon rolls in, the landscape transforms into a green wonderland with clean air, dreamy skies, and dense forests appearing greener. It's an ideal time to reconnect with nature, soaking in all its unrestrained beauty, from roaring waterfalls to misty forest trails in cool rain. Monsoon brings you close to the soulful side of Goa. ALSO READ: Move over fridge magnets and postcards: Here are the authentic Goa souvenirs to grab on your next visit Kedar Naik, Director of the Department of Tourism at the Government of Goa, shared eight spots you can head to if Goa is on your itinerary this monsoon: A post shared by Goa (@goa) A post shared by Ankur Jain (@ankur.22j) A post shared by Sreejith S (@notonthemap) A post shared by dehradun official page (@dehradun_official_page) A post shared by Goa Darling ® (@goa_darling) A post shared by Explorers (@_explorersofficial_) A post shared by Lua Cheia Villa (@luacheiavilla) A post shared by Dr. Greeshma Upendra (@dr_greeshma92) ALSO READ: Goa-inspired interiors: This summer, bring home coastal charm with these design tips
News18
04-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Is Experiential Travel the Future of Tourism? Industry Experts Say It's Already Here
This evolution is not limited to niche experiences; it's being embraced on an institutional level too. According to Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, 'Experiential travel isn't just the next big trend—it's the future of meaningful tourism." Goa Tourism has been actively pivoting toward immersive and regenerative experiences through curated hinterland trails, spiritual circuits like the Ekadasha Teertha, heritage walks, and community-led homestays. 'We want every traveller to leave with a sense of place, a local connection, and a commitment to preserve the beauty they experience," says Naik. From the government to the grassroots, the shift is palpable. Alok K Singh, Chairman and CEO of Travomint, notes that travellers today are choosing engagement over escapism. 'The desire isn't just to visit a place, but to truly engross in it. There's a heightening appreciation for local culture, human connection, and immersive storytelling." Whether it's learning crafts or sharing meals with local families, Singh emphasizes that authenticity is becoming the cornerstone of modern travel. This insight is echoed by Mithun Jha, Director at Reservations Deal, who notes a surge in demand for 'immersive and alluring activities along with personalized experiences." According to Jha, data shows that travellers are increasingly choosing cooking classes, village tours, and offbeat explorations over lavish hotel stays. 'People are actively choosing partaking over profligacy. Experiential travel offers higher emotional ROI, making it an increasingly opted model in the evolving travel era," he says. At the heart of this transformation are young travellers, especially Gen Z, who are driving the demand for experiential offerings. Pallavi Agarwal, Founder and CEO of goSTOPS, sees this as more than a trend—it's a movement. 'Gen Z craves experiences. They want to create long-lasting memories and find meaning in travel. We've noticed travellers curating their itineraries based on conversations with fellow guests, not internet-curated lists." Even the way people plan travel is changing. Gaurav Malik, Country Director for India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal at Agoda, notes a sharp rise in travel linked to cultural events and festivals. 'Experiential travel is transforming how Indians explore. More travellers are seeking immersive connections through music festivals, concerts, and cultural events." He cites Coldplay's upcoming concert in Mumbai as a prime example, which led to a 33-fold spike in accommodation searches on Agoda. 'Such events not only boost tourism but enhance India's cultural appeal," he adds. Advertisement As travel becomes more individualistic, the appeal lies in moments that are unscripted and soulful. Rahul Dhawan, Sales Director at Dial for Holidays LLP, observes that people aren't looking to escape anymore—they're looking to connect. 'Whether it's learning from a local artisan, joining a small ritual, or living the slow life in a rural community, it's about the deep involvement and not just about the distance travelled," he says. Dhawan believes experiential travel offers something grounding and emotionally nourishing in an increasingly digitized world.
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Business Standard
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Goa govt cancels all state-backed events for 3 days after temple stampede
The Goa government on Saturday announced that all functions supported by it stand cancelled for the next three days in the wake of a stampede during a temple festival that killed six devotees and injured more than 70. "In view of the tragic stampede incident that occurred during the Shree Devi Lairai Zatra at Shirgao, and as an expression of condolences to the departed and their families, the Government of Goa directs that all Government- supported festive programmes and public celebrations scheduled over the next three days be cancelled or postponed," a circular issued by Shreyas D'Silva, Under Secretary of General Administration Department, stated. "All Heads of Departments, Government Corporations and Autonomous Bodies are hereby instructed to ensure strict compliance with this directive," the circular reads. The stampede occurred at a temple festival at Shirgao village in North Goa in the wee hours of Saturday, officials said. According to the police, thousands of devotees thronged the narrow lanes of the temple for the annual festival. "At least 30,000 to 40,000 people had gathered for the festival, and some were standing on a slope. A few persons fell on the slope, causing others to tumble on each other," said Director General of Police Alok Kumar. He said 40 to 50 people fell on the slope. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hindustan Times
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Goa temple stampede: State govt cancels all events for next three days
The Goa government on Saturday announced that all functions supported by it stand cancelled for the next three days in the wake of a stampede during a temple festival that killed six devotees and injured more than 70. "In view of the tragic stampede incident that occurred during the Shree Devi Lairai Zatra at Shirgao, and as an expression of condolences to the departed and their families, the Government of Goa directs that all Government- supported festive programmes and public celebrations scheduled over the next three days be cancelled or postponed," a circular issued by Shreyas D'Silva, Under Secretary of General Administration Department, stated. "All Heads of Departments, Government Corporations and Autonomous Bodies are hereby instructed to ensure strict compliance with this directive," the circular reads. The stampede occurred at a temple festival at Shirgao village in North Goa in the wee hours of Saturday, officials said. According to the police, thousands of devotees thronged the narrow lanes of the temple for the annual festival. "At least 30,000 to 40,000 people had gathered for the festival, and some were standing on a slope. A few persons fell on the slope, causing others to tumble on each other," said Director General of Police Alok Kumar. He said 40 to 50 people fell on the slope.
