PANJIM: In a landmark initiative, the Department of Tourism and MakeMyTrip on Thursday inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signifying a ground-breaking public-private partnership, the very first of its kind. This collaborative effort aims to propel tourism in Goa into a vibrant, year-round destination, moving beyond its iconic sun, sand, and beaches.
Goa is the first State in India to launch Regenerative Tourism initiative. The MoU, which outlines a series of innovative initiatives aimed at showcasing Goa’s lesser-known inland treasures, its rich cultural tapestry and delectable culinary traditions, is the next step ahead. The Tourism Minister expressed immense pride in this collaboration, emphasising the government’s commitment to transforming Goa.
During the signing ceremony Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, said, “Our collective vision of Goa Beyond Beaches is to bring the hidden splendours of Goa to the forefront, celebrate its rich cultural heritage, take tourism to the hinterlands of Goa and ensure sustainable and regenerative tourism practices that preserve our natural resources for generations to come. Our partnership with MakeMyTrip will help us introduce tourists to the heart and soul of Goa, ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism are equitably distributed across the State.”
MakeMyTrip’s involvement is critical in this endeavour, as the company brings its expertise in digital innovation and marketing, contributing to further broaden the reach and appeal of Goa tourism. The travel major will highlight the State’s inland cultural richness and culinary traditions, which usually take a back seat to popular coastal attractions by curating a Cultural Map of Goa, pushing various initiatives to promote the multi-faceted State, and exposing potential travellers to the depth of delights that the State has to offer.
“We are excited to embark on this journey with the Government of Goa. Our efforts will be directed towards showcasing the unexplored facets of Goa, promoting homestay penetration across the interiors of Goa and collaboratively nurture a sustainable tourism ecosystem,” said Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip.
Director of Tourism and Managing Director of GTDC Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, said, “We have launched the Ekadasha Teertha campaign as part of our Regenerative Tourism initiative where we are connecting 11 places of worship to form a travel circuit. Our endeavour is to make Goa a host-centric, people-first tourism destination.”
