Tag Archives: Goa

Goa’s Raponkarancho Seafood festival kicks off

 

 

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, inaugurated the Raponkarancho Seafood Festival on December 13, 2024, at the picturesque Arambol Beach. This vibrant event celebrates Goa’s rich coastal heritage and seafood culture. Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Chairman of GTDC Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Mandrem MLA Shri Jit Arolkar, and Director Tourism Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, graced the occasion alongside dignitaries and foreign guests. Guests were welcomed with traditional Ghumots, symbolising Goa’s cultural pride and hospitality.

The festival drew visitors from across the globe, including local and foreign tourists, who relished authentic Goan seafood prepared by traditional Raponkars (fishermen). Day 1 featured electrifying performances by Shine On, Cosmic Sound, Usman, and OG Shez, creating a festive atmosphere. Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism, emphasising the festival as a platform to honor the fishing community and promote Goa’s cultural heritage while boosting its tourism ecosystem.

Mandrem MLA Shri Jit Arolkar and GTDC Chairman Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar also praised the initiative, calling it a reflection of Goa’s cultural identity and a celebration of the vital contributions of its fishermen. Director Tourism Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, noted the event’s role in fostering community engagement and promoting sustainable tourism practices. Shri Deepak Narvekar, Deputy GM Marketing of GTDC, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the enthusiastic participation of visitors and stakeholders.

The festival will continue on December 14 and 15, with thrilling performances by Purple Rain, Gravity Band, DJ Katrin, DJ Ivan, The Imperial Band, Forefront, DJ Afroz Sayed, and Teri Miko. Visitors can savor traditional Goan seafood, enjoy live music, and immerse themselves in Goa’s vibrant cultural programs. The Raponkarancho Seafood Festival promises a unique and enriching experience, inviting all to celebrate Goa’s coastal traditions in full splendor.

ELIVAAS Privé: Redefining Luxury Travel

 

ELIVAAS unveils ultra-luxurious villas for travellers seeking exclusivity and personalised experiences. More than just stunning properties, ELIVAAS Privé reimagines travel with breathtaking designs, exceptional amenities, and curated details tailored to each guest’s preferences.

The debut collection in Goa includes the Suntuarios Collection—featuring Casa Ivy, Casa Iris, and Casa Ikkebana—alongside Yashgeet Villa, a haven of privacy and comfort. These villas offer premium features such as private jacuzzis, panoramic greenfield views, exquisite interiors, and dedicated services. Designed for serenity and sophistication, they promise an unparalleled escape for discerning travelers.

Ritwik Khare, CEO, ELIVAAS, shared, “ELIVAAS Privé is about creating private spaces that embody comfort and elegance. From architecture to curated amenities like personal butlers, organic toiletries, and fully stocked refrigerators, every element ensures an unforgettable stay. Less than 5% of properties meet our stringent standards, making this portfolio truly exceptional.”

ELIVAAS Privé is set to expand to iconic destinations like Udaipur and Kasauli, offering its signature blend of exclusivity and impeccable service. With a focus on unmatched privacy and tailored experiences, ELIVAAS Privé is raising the bar for luxury travel, ensuring every journey is as extraordinary as its destination.

FLY91 to connect Solapur with Mumbai and Goa from Dec 23

FLY91 has added Solapur to its route network connecting it with Mumbai and Goa. The announcement of FLY91’s two new direct routes, Goa – Solapur and Mumbai – Solapur, takes the total number of domestic destinations connected by the regional airline, which is headquartered in Goa, to nine. The airline commenced operations in March 24.

FLY91 Airline’s flights will be operational on the two routes starting December 23, and tickets will be available for sale for the two routes over the next few days. The start of these flights will bring a reliable, safe and quick mode of transportation between these destinations.
This introduction of the two new direct routes reinforces the airline’s vision of improving regional connectivity, aligning with the Union Aviation Ministry’s UDAN scheme, which aims to enhance air travel accessibility and connectivity in underserved and remote areas.

“FLY91 is pleased to announce the two new direct routes. FLY91 will be the only airline providing direct connectivity between Mumbai, the country’s commercial capital and Solapur, renowned as a textile hub, a major centre of industry and a pilgrimage hub. Connecting with Goa will open up Goa as a conveniently reachable tourism destination for the residents of Solapur,” said Manoj Chacko, Managing Director and CEO of FLY91.

The commencement of FLY91 operations on the two new routes is expected to increase trade and tourism engagement, while also providing last-mile air connectivity to travellers frequenting the two centres and their respective outlying areas, the top official also said.
Based out of Manohar International Airport, Goa, FLY91 currently connects regional centres such as Mumbai, Pune, Jalgaon, Sindhudurg and Solapur in Maharashtra, as well as Agatti in Lakshadweep and cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

Goa Minister rejects data on tourism

 

Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has rejected recent data showing a sharp decline in foreign tourist arrivals to the state, calling it “misleading” and “unverified.” The controversy began when entrepreneur Ramanuj Mukherjee shared figures suggesting a dramatic drop in foreign visitors, from 8.5 million in 2019 to just 1.5 million in 2023. Mukherjee’s tweet claimed that Russian and British tourists had shifted their annual visits to Sri Lanka instead of Goa, sparking public concern.

Khaunte dismissed these numbers, alleging they came from an unverified “Chinese outlet” and asserting that post-pandemic travel patterns had changed. He emphasised that tourists now seek diverse experiences beyond traditional urban hotspots, and Goa is working on promoting areas like the hinterlands, wellness, and adventure tourism to diversify its appeal. Khaunte also defended the tourism department’s decision to file a complaint against Mukherjee, stating that the spread of false data was damaging and needed to be addressed.

Mukherjee, however, clarified that the data came from CEIC, a London-based firm with offices in India, and not a Chinese outlet as claimed by the minister. He refuted the accusations and stood by his report, suggesting that the tourism decline was a reality that needed attention.

The Goa tourism department, in its response, maintained that the figures were inaccurate, claiming that domestic tourism in 2023 had surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with over 8 million visitors. Additionally, it reported that international tourism had begun to recover, with foreign arrivals rising to over 450,000 in 2023, signaling positive trends in the state’s tourism sector.

Goa Showcases rich heritage at WTM

 

Goa Tourism showcased the state’s cultural richness, sustainable tourism, and unique travel experiences at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2024, held from November 5th to 7th. Led by Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte and senior officials, Goa’s delegation engaged with global tourism leaders to highlight Goa’s diverse attractions and commitment to regenerative tourism. Emphasising Goa’s “Beyond Beaches” initiative, the pavilion offered immersive experiences in heritage, adventure, wellness, and hinterland tourism, attracting a global audience.

Key figures, including His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi Minister of Tourism, and Indian Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, visited the Goa Pavilion, facilitating discussions on collaborative tourism efforts. The presence of notable Goan diaspora members, such as opera singer Oscar Castellino, further strengthened the international connections.

Shri Rohan A. Khaunte expressed pride in Goa’s portrayal, stating, “WTM London provided an ideal platform to showcase our state’s authentic and enriching tourism offerings. Our goal is to invite travellers to explore beyond beaches, experiencing Goa’s heritage and sustainable initiatives.” Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, Secretary of Tourism, echoed this, adding, “We aimed to reach conscious travellers who value meaningful and responsible travel.”

Goa’s participation at WTM London has sparked increased global interest, positioning the state as a premier destination for cultural and sustainable tourism. The event successfully showcased Goa’s commitment to preserving its natural assets while fostering global partnerships in tourism.

Charter Flights Attract Tourists From New Global Destination To Goa: Tourism Department

The Goa Tourism Department has said that the state is increasingly attracting international travelers from a growing number of countries. The department, in a media statement, said that new charter flights from key markets, including Russian cities Moscow and Ekaterinburg, London, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, are supporting international arrivals.

 

A Polish charter flight is set to arrive in the coastal state on November 8.

 

These flights signify Goa’s appeal beyond beach tourism, drawing visitors to the state’s scenic hinterlands and popular sites like Dudhsagar Falls, it said.

 

To enhance international accessibility, Goa is focused on securing better direct connectivity with key overseas markets, and collaborations with major airlines and international travel platforms are underway, a tourism department spokesperson said.

 

“However, establishing robust direct international connectivity requires further support from the Government of India, which we are actively seeking to make Goa an even more attractive, accessible, and globally connected destination,” he added.

 

The spokesperson noted that while global travel faced unprecedented disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting foreign tourist numbers worldwide, Goa’s international tourism is on a steady path to recovery.

 

“In 2023, foreign tourist arrivals rose to over 450,000, a significant increase from pandemic lows, as travel restrictions eased and global mobility improved,” he said.

 

According to the department, Goa saw over 8 million domestic visitors in 2023.

 

The spokesperson also downplayed comparisons between destinations in Goa and countries like Sri Lanka, suggesting such comparisons may yield an inaccurate perspective.

 

“Goa does face some challenges, for example, limited scheduled international air connectivity. The state government is working closely with the Centre to re-evaluate point of call and additional seat entitlements for Goa, to establish more robust international connections,” he said.