Panjim, 26th September 2023 – Shri. Rohan A.Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Govt. of Goa convened a press conference on the eve of World Tourism Day, emphasizing the importance of tourism for economic growth and cultural exchange and introducing the theme for this year,being – People, Planet, and Prosperity.
In his address, Shri. Rohan A.Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Govt. of Goa highlighted the significance of World Tourism Day, which is celebrated annually on September 27th, he stated “Green tourism focuses on minimizing the negative impact on the environment and supporting local communities. It aims to promote responsible travel practices and preserve natural resources for future generations. One aspect of green tourism is the promotion of tents and eco cottages. Tourism is an industry that promotes adventure and fun while also emphasizing the importance of preserving the environment for future generations. The tourism club consisting of 75 colleges supports biodiversity conservation and encourages responsible tourism practices. Beyond just beaches, destinations like Goa offer a variety of experiences”
Shri. SuneelAnchipaka, IAS, Director of Tourism, Govt. of Goa stated “The objective for this year is to focus on three key areas – people, planet, and prosperity. The Government of Goa has recognized the need to prioritize and is actively working towards achieving progress in each areas. The Government of Goa is actively exploring various opportunities to drive growth and development in the state. Efforts are being made to identify sectors that have the potential to contribute to the overall progress”
He further explained the concept of a few policies “Green tourism is becoming increasingly popular as people become more environmentally conscious. One aspect of green tourism is the implementation of home stay policies, which allow tourists to stay in local homes instead of traditional hotels. This not only provides a more authentic and immersive experience for visitors, but also supports the local economy. In addition to home stays, agro eco tourism policies promote sustainable practices and encourage tourists to explore agricultural and ecological sites. Tents and cottages are often offered as alternative accommodation options to reduce the environmental impact of large-scale hotels. Another initiative in the tourism industry is the formation of Yuva tourism clubs, which focus on training and skilling tourist guides to enhance their knowledge and communication skills. These clubs also create employment opportunities for women through home stay policies. By decentralizing, deconcentrating and decongesting hinterland tourism, tourism authorities aim to spread the benefits of tourism to different areas and reduce the negative impacts on popular beach destinations.”
The Goa Tourism Board is actively promoting green investment initiatives to ensure the preservation of the state’s natural beauty and environment. Recognizing the need for sustainable practices in the tourism industry, the Government of Goa encourages all businesses and investors to contribute to eco-friendly projects. By promoting green investments, the aim is to strike a balance between tourism development and environmental conservation.
The Goa Tourism will be celebrating the World Tourism Day tomorrow, the 27th September with various events and programs planned for the day.