Goa has long been known for its picturesque beaches, attracting tourists from all over the world. However, the state is now shifting its focus towards regenerative tourism, aiming to offer a more meaningful and transformative experience to travelers. In an endeavor called “Goa Beyond Beaches,” tourists are encouraged to explore the serene villages of Goa, where they can disconnect from the world and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature.
One of the notable initiatives under this campaign is Ekadasha Teertha, which emphasizes spirituality and conscious tourism. Through this program, the government aims to promote a fresh perspective on Indian tourism, focusing on spirituality, cultural heritage, and sustainable practices. By encouraging travel and pilgrimage, the aim is to expand geographical knowledge, break regional boundaries, and foster a sense of cultural nationalism.
The Minister of Tourism, Rohan A. Khaunte, highlighted the importance of sustainable practices for the environment, culture, and communities in Goa. He emphasized the need for a positive impact on the ecosystem while benefiting the local population. With 16.4 percent of Goa’s GDP and over 33 percent of employment dependent on tourism, it is crucial to adopt regenerative tourism practices that ensure the long-term well-being of both the environment and the people.
To further enhance tourism connectivity, the government plans to establish links between Goa and tier 2 cities, promoting Uttarkashi-Dakshinkashi Teerth. An MOU has been signed between Goa and Uttarakhand, with the shared goal of connecting the seas to the hills and offering tourists the best of both worlds.
In recent years, Goa has witnessed a decline in international tourist numbers due to various factors, including geopolitical conflicts. However, the government remains optimistic that regenerative tourism practices and alternative approaches will attract visitors back to the state. By encouraging authentic experiences and promoting homestays in local villages, tourists can immerse themselves in Goan village life and contribute directly to the local community.
The Brahmini Self Help Group is one such example of the government’s support for homestays. Comprising local women managing a guesthouse, the group offers tourists an opportunity to experience the authentic flavors of Goan cuisine and explore the rich biodiversity of the village. With the government providing incentives for the first 100 homestays, the project has gained popularity among international tourists and generated revenue for local women.
As Goa transitions from a sea-shore-centric tourism model to a more inclusive and people-centric approach, the focus on regenerative tourism becomes imperative. Through initiatives like “Goa Beyond Beaches” and the promotion of homestays, the state aims to create a more sustainable and transformative travel experience that goes beyond the superficial aspects of traditional tourism. In doing so, they hope to draw the crowd back to Goa and showcase the beauty and depth of its serene villages.
Goa je dugo poznata po slikovitim plažama koje privlače turiste iz cijelog svijeta. Međutim, država sada preusmjerava svoj fokus prema regenerativnom turizmu, s ciljem pružanja značajnijeg i transformacijskog iskustva putnicima. U naporu pod nazivom “Goa izvan plaža”, turisti se potiču da istraže mirne sela Goe, gdje se mogu odvojiti od svijeta i uroniti u mir prirode.
Jedna od istaknutih inicijativa u sklopu ove kampanje je Ekadasha Teertha, koja naglašava duhovnost i svjesni turizam. Putem ovog programa, vlada ima za cilj promovirati novu perspektivu indijskog turizma, fokusirajući se na duhovnost, kulturnu baštinu i održive prakse. Poticanjem putovanja i hodočašća, cilj je proširiti geografsko znanje, prekinuti regionalne granice i razviti osjećaj kulturnog nacionalizma.
Ministar turizma, Rohan A. Khaunte, istaknuo je važnost održivih praksi za okoliš, kulturu i zajednice u Goi. Naglasio je potrebu za pozitivnim utjecajem na ekosustav uz istodobnu korist za lokalno stanovništvo. S obzirom da 16,4 posto bruto društvenog proizvoda Goi te preko 33 posto zaposlenosti ovise o turizmu, ključno je usvojiti praktike regenerativnog turizma koje osiguravaju dugoročno blagostanje i okoliša i ljudi.
Da bi dodatno poboljšala povezanost turizma, vlada planira uspostaviti veze između Goi i gradova ranga 2, promovirajući Uttarkashi-Dakshinkashi Teerth. Potpisan je memorandum o suradnji između Goi i Uttarakhanda s ciljem povezivanja mora s planinama i pružanja turistima najboljeg iz oba svijeta.
U posljednjih nekoliko godina, zbog različitih čimbenika, uključujući i geopolitičke sukobe, u Goi se bilježi pad međunarodnog broja turista. Međutim, vlada ostaje optimistična da će prakse regenerativnog turizma i alternativni pristupi privući posjetitelje natrag u državu. Poticanjem autentičnih iskustava i promoviranjem privatnog smještaja u lokalnim selima, turisti mogu potpuno se uroniti u život goanskih sela i izravno doprinijeti lokalnoj zajednici.
Grupa Brahmini koja samostalno pomaže je jedan takav primjer podrške vlade domaćinstvima. Sastavljena od lokalnih žena koje upravljaju gostinjskom kućom, grupa turistima pruža priliku da iskuse autentične okuse goanske ku