Goa’s Tourism Minister Wants a New Image: More Sports and Spirituality, Less ‘Ruckus’
Skift Take
Goa is rebooting its tourism to attract high-value visitors, and diversifying its offerings. But a lot of its hopes hinge on tackling key issues like taxi operators, stray animals, and connectivity with international markets.
Indian travelers have long gone to Goa to party - “Goa mein kuchh bhi chalta hai” (anything goes in Goa). It’s got beaches and nightlife, affordable and easily available alcohol, and casinos.
Goa’s tourism minister Rohan Khaunte wants a new image.
“We need good tourists coming in who are responsible enough,” Khaunte told Skift. “We want them to come to Goa, enjoy, make some memories, but not create ruckus in the state. Goa has been giving a very clear message that causing nuisance is not welcome.”
Goa’s branding had focused on “Sun, Sand, and Sea.” Last year, said Khaunte, the coastal state added “Sports, Spirituality, and Software” to create the "6 S's" of tourism in Goa.
