World Tourism Day is commemorated annually on September 27 to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. As the world celebrates this important day, the theme for this year, ‘tourism and peace’ which includes bridging cultures and building peace for the future generations.
Tourism can contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through quality tourism training, which invests in education and skills; by investing in sustainable infrastructure and accelerating green transformation, including opportunities to decarbonize the sector and promote climate resilient infrastructure; and through investing in innovation technology, and entrepreneurships that can upskill tourism’s workforce.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Target 8.9 aims to devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products by 2030. In 2024-2025 Goa is poised for growth, supported by various factors that are enhancing its appeal.
The current trends are:
Diverse tourist demographics:
Goa is seeing an increase in both traditional and new tourist demographics. While young backpackers and honeymooners remain a core group, there is a growing trend of family vacations, and wellness tourism besides the MICE market. Another notable category is the remote work travellers. This gained ground during the pandemic where staff were told to work from home and Goa became a haven for staff to make Goa a working holiday destination and the trend continues till today. There has been a mushrooming of villas and workers hiring villas and flats with high-speed connectivity and spending the best part of working from home and thereafter relaxing in Goa. This has also led to majority investing in Goa’s real estate market. Additionally, there’s a notable rise in tourists from non-traditional markets such as Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia.
Sustainable Tourism Initiatives:
With global awareness about sustainability growing, Goa is increasingly focusing on eco-friendly tourism. Initiatives like promoting green hotels, waste management campaigns and community-based tourism projects are being highlighted to attract environmentally conscious travellers.
Cultural and heritage tourism:
Goa’s rich history marked by its Portuguese colonial past, vibrant festivals and unique architectural styles continue to draw tourists interested in cultural experiences. Goa’s lesser-known inland heritage sites, such as spice plantations, ancient temples and churches and wildlife sanctuaries providing a more holistic experience are promoted. Recently a Krishna Leela Art Exhibition was held inside the heritage underground tunnel spring Fonte Pheonix (Mala Zhor), Mala Panjim for 15 days which was a truly an immersive, wonderful experience.
Adventure and wellness tourism:
The state is also expanding its adventure tourism offerings including water sports, trekking in the Western Ghats, trekking in the hinterlands, cycling and e-bike tours. Recently, the Skal International Club of Goa organised an e-bike tour for its executive committee commencing from Old Goa to Divar Island encompassing visit to famous churches and temple sites, heritage precincts, interaction with local people engaged in traditional occupations, site experiences and a sumptuous lunch of local cuisine and feni tasting. The tour was truly intriguing, informative and knowledgeable.
Guided walking tours provide a deeper understanding of local culture, history, and lifestyle. These tours explore hidden gems, cultural adventures, and secret trails. The walking tours conducted are Walking Tours of Old Goa, Fontainhas Heritage Walk, Divar Island Walk, Coastal Walk of Colva, Walking Tour of Panjim Market, Assagoa Walk. Besides these Island hopping, Bar Hopping, Interaction with local bakeries, local village folk, fish market experiences, Kunbi dances etc. are well orchestrated for the tourists’ experiences.
There are various hurdles and challenges facing Goa’s tourism:
Despite positive growth, Goa faces challenges in infrastructure development especially concerning transportation, accommodations and waste management. Taxi problem and the taxi mafia have been ruining the fair image of Goa tourism for decades and the government does not have the spine to put an end to it. Feeble attempts in introducing app based taxis are being made but nothing with a stern hand to deter the tantrums of the local taxis who continue to fleece tourists at will.
Maintaining the delicate balance between tourism growth and environmental conservation remains a critical challenge. Over tourism in popular areas could lead to environmental degradation calling for a need for sustainable tourism practices.
What is Goa’s Future Outlook?
Government initiatives and investment:
The government of Goa along with private stakeholders is seriously investing in infrastructure projects, better road connectivity, high speed internet connectivity and digital services to enhance the overall tourist experiences. The new Mopa Airport is capable of handling 4.4 million passengers annually.
The airport connectivity road complements the airport ensuring efficient travel from the airport to various destinations within Goa. One can now reach Miramar from Mopa airport in 38 minutes which was truly excellent. The Canacona Bypass has reduced the travel time and opened up new scenic routes for tourists. India’s second largest cable stayed bridge, the Zuari bridge is a testimony of engineering prowess and travellers now enjoy a truly exhilarating experience.
Diversification of tourism offerings:
Besides beaches, Goa is positioning itself in promoting hinterland tourism seriously. The introduction of the Tourism Caravan Policy and Home Stay policy provides new avenues for travellers seeking unique and different experiences. These cater to tourists interested in exploring Goa’s hinterlands or immersing themselves in local culture through homestays. One must visit the Aguada Interactive Museum in Sinquerim. The museum showcases the history of the jail, of Goa from well before the Portuguese, the liberation movement that culminated in 1961, to today’s Goa.
Technology and digital transformation:
Digital transformation is set to play a significant role in the tourism sector. With an increase in the digital bookings, virtual tours and the use of AI for personalised travel experiences, the adoption of technology will cater to the tech savvy travellers for seamless and customers travel experiences.
In conclusion, one can confidently say that the tourism scenario in Goa for the years ahead is one of growth transformation. By addressing the challenges and capitalizing on emerging trends, Goa aims to enhance its status as a world class destination. Through sustainable practices, infrastructure development and innovative tourism offerings, Goa is poised to offer unique and enriching experiences to its travellers in the coming years.
(Charles Bonifacio is a hospitality strategist and influencer. He is the past president of TTAG, past president of Skal International Goa, past president of Rotary Club of Panaji Midtown and Indian Junior Chamber Panaji and a veteran hospitality professional.)