Celebrating World Tourism Day 2024: Honoring The Power Of Connection And Unity

The Department of Tourism celebrated World Tourism Day 2024 with a week-long event from the 24th to 29th of September based on the theme 'Tourism & Peace'. The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, collaborated with TTAG and SKAL International Goa to showcase how tourism can unite people from all walks of life and foster mutual respect. The activities highlighted the potential of tourism to connect individuals and communities, emphasizing the importance of understanding and appreciation among diverse cultures.

Most of the events saw the presence of notable attendees including Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Director of Tourism and Managing Director of GTDC, Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, TTAG President, Shri Jack Sukhija, and SKAL International Goa President, Shri Vivek Kerker. Additionally, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant attended the Yuva Tourism Clubs meet as well as Goa’s largest stakeholders' meet, while MLA of Sanvordem Constituency and GTDC Chairman Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar was present for the stakeholders' meet. Secretary Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, was also present for the Yuva Tourism Clubs meet.

The first day of the celebrations began with the "Goencho Swad" cooking competition, which dwelled on the Goan culinary heritages. "SAVOR GOA: The Best Restaurants," a coffee table book celebrating the state's diversified food culture, was also launched on this day at the hands of Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte along with award-winning author Shri Flavel Monteiro who is also the author of the book.

On September 25, the Department of Tourism also hosted a Tourism Stakeholder Outreach Program at Vivanta Goa, Miramar. This event united key stakeholders from various tourism sectors to discuss and share insights on enhancing tourism development in Goa. Representatives from various tourism sectors, including watersports, beach shacks, waterparks, wellness tourism, and restaurant associations, gathered to share insights and discuss strategies for advancing tourism development in Goa.

One of the biggest Yuva Tourism Club Meets ever, scheduled on September 26, attracted 1,000 plus students from all corners of Goa with an aim to empower the next generation of tourism leaders, representing a collaborative commitment to innovate and redefine tourism in the state.

On World Tourism Day, 27th of September, Goa Tourism Department celebrated with Goa's largest stakeholders' meet at the scenic Nandanvan Spice Farm organized with TTAG and SKAL International. The event brought together all the key people in the industry to dialogue on improving tourism development and sustainability. A creative hand-printing activity helped signify the vision for a harmonious future.

As a part of the celebration, a special boat cruise was organized for specially-abled children in collaboration with Paradise Cruises and the Rotary Club Panjim. This activity was also memorable for the young participants and reiterates the mantra of 'tourism for all'.

The week included a variety of enriching walks and experiences that showcased Goa's heritage and natural beauty. The Monte Santo Heritage Walk highlighted important monuments on Monte Santo hill during a rich exploration of Old Goa. Participants unraveled hidden gems in Saligao's scenic village through the Saligao Scenic Walk. The Mapusa Market Walk provided amazing experience at one of Goa's oldest markets, fostering interpersonal relationships with local vendors. In the Life of Pao, attendees visited local bakeries to learn about the traditional baking methods and the significance of pao in Goan cuisine. Additionally, nature and trekking trails curated by Adventure Breaks and Mrugaya Expeditions offered a beautiful canvas of Goa's terrains, enhancing eco-tourism in the region.

Embracing its diverse offerings, Goa emphasizes peace, inclusivity, and sustainability at its core, emerging as a leading model of regenerative tourism in the region. The meaningful connections forged here, along with a shared vision of progress, pave the way for a brighter future through tourism.