Goa Tourism, in collaboration with the Travel & Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) and SKAL Goa, marked World Tourism Day 2023 with an event – Goa’s Largest Tourism Stakeholders Lunch held at the Taj Cidade De Goa in Dona Paula. The occasion was graced by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Tourism Minister Shri. Rohan Khaunte, Tourism Secretary Shri. Sanjay Goel, IAS, Director of Tourism Shri. Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, President of TTAG Shri. Nilesh Shah, President of SKAL International Shri. Vivek Kerkar, and various other prominent figures from the tourism sector.
The theme of this year’s World Tourism Day celebration was “Tourism and Green Investments,” reflecting the commitment of Goa’s tourism industry towards sustainable practices.
In his address, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant emphasized the significance of public-private partnerships in developing the tourism sector. He highlighted the substantial investments made by the government, including 30 Crore for beach cleaning. Apart from that the highway improvements and city cleaning efforts were also taken up. Additionally, he announced the upcoming Beach Volleyball Tournament at Varca beach, featuring participation from 31 countries, which is expected to significantly boost tourism in the state. Dr. Sawant emphasized the role of tourism in job creation, with a potential to employ around 2 lakh youths in the hospitality sector over the next 4-5 years. He also stressed the importance of industry support in promoting the concepts of “Vocal for Local” and “Vocal for Global.”
Tourism Minister Shri. Rohan Khaunte expressed the need to transform the perception of Goa beyond its beaches and promote rural tourism as a means of rural and women’s empowerment. He acknowledged that tourism is an industry and emphasized the necessity of regulating businesses within it, while also promoting the use of taxi aggregators. Highlighting Government’s efforts for the welfare of society Shri Khaunte stated that the Government is committed to promote responsible and sustainable tourism. He underscored the collaborative effort required from all stakeholders, industries, and locals to ensure the success of the tourism sector.
Key speakers for the event included Dr. Aaron Savio Lobo, Shri Milind Prabhu, and Shri Anish Souza, who shared valuable insights and perspectives.
The event also honoured the memory of Late Vincent Ramos by awarding scholarships to two deserving youths.
