Goa is often celebrated for its sun-kissed beaches and vibrant nightlife. While the allure of its coastline is undeniable, the state has its share of beautiful places of worship. The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, and MakeMyTrip today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that intends to transform Goa’s tourism industry into a thriving year-round destination that goes beyond its famed sun, sand, and beaches.
Beyond Goa’s Beaches: MoU
The Moon shining it’s light on the beautiful St Anthony’s church, Siolim, Goa on the eve of Christmas 2021.
Love all. Feed all. Remember God. Merry Christmas 🎄☮️💜 pic.twitter.com/e2VusdEfni
— Shweta Bajaj (@ShwetaBajaj) December 25, 2021
India’s first state to implement a Regenerative Tourism concept is Goa. The next step forward is the MoU, which lays out several creative efforts meant to highlight Goa’s lesser-known inland riches, its rich cultural tapestry, and its delicious culinary traditions. The goal for Goa Beyond Beaches is to showcase Goa’s hidden gems and highlight the state’s rich cultural legacy. Further, it is to guarantee sustainable and regenerative tourism practices that protect the natural resources for future generations.
The plan intends to increase Goa tourism’s appeal and reach. The MoU intends to promote various initiatives to highlight the multifaceted state and introduce prospective travellers to the depth of delights that the state has to offer. These efforts will highlight the state’s inland cultural richness and culinary traditions, which typically take a backseat to popular coastal attractions. The aim is to highlight the undiscovered aspects of Goa, encourage the growth of homestays in the state and develop a sustainable tourism environment.
Spiritual Tourism In Goa
With my uncle Kumarmangalam Birla chacha last week. All branches of the Birla family flew in to Goa for the day, for the inauguration of the new Birla Mandir at the BITS Pilani (Birla Institute of Tech & Science) campus. This is one of the over 30 Birla Temples spread pan India. pic.twitter.com/J6QZU1qG6O
— Vedant Birla (@birla_vedant) May 8, 2023
Amidst the verdant landscape of Goa lies numerous places of worship, each a sanctuary of spirituality and devotion. Beyond its sun-drenched beaches and bustling streets, lies these sanctuaries of solace and enlightenment.
In addition, the government wants to highlight Goa and the wellness choices the state has to offer on India’s map of spiritual tourism. As part of the Regenerative Tourism project, the Ekadasha Teertha campaign has started wherein a travel circuit connecting eleven places of worship has been ideated. To make sure that the growth is directed toward the hosts and visitors, the plan is to create sustainable ecosystems free of plastic in and around these locations. And view Goa as a people-first, host-centric tourism destination.
MakeMyTrip also plans to build a public art show that symbolises environmental preservation and the significance of sustainable practices in tourism using over 500,000 single-use plastic bottles in partnership with the Government of Goa.
There’s a lot to do in Goa beyond its beaches.
Cover image credits: Press release/Goa Govt
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First Published: February 22, 2024 4:51 PM