New Delhi’s Yashobhoomi (IICC) played host to the much-anticipated South Asia’s Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2025, where the Goa Pavilion emerged as a remarkable highlight. The pavilion was inaugurated with grandeur by Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, the esteemed Minister for Tourism of Goa, who led the state’s delegation with a vision to showcase Goa’s evolving tourism landscape.
Accompanying the Minister were key officials including Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Secretary of Tourism; Shri Shawn Mendes, Officer on Special Duty to the Tourism Minister; Shri Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager (Marketing) at GTDC; Shri Jayesh Kankonkar, Assistant Director of Tourism; and Smt Chitra Vengurlekar, Assistant Tourist Officer. Together, they represented the Goa Department of Tourism, emphasizing the state’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in travel. The Goa Tourism team is set to present a diverse array of tourism initiatives throughout the event, which runs until February 21, 2025.
A key highlight of SATTE 2025 was the engaging panel discussion featuring Minister Rohan A. Khaunte alongside notable international and domestic tourism leaders. The esteemed panel included Shri Umid Shadiev, Minister of Tourism from Uzbekistan; Shri Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand; Nagaland’s Minister of Tourism, Shri Temjen Imna Along; Shri Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director of Informa Markets India; Smt Pallavi Mehra, Senior Group Director at Informa Markets and Publisher of Travel Trends Today; Shri Peter Hall, President of IMEA at Informa Markets; and Shri Subhash Goyal, Chairman of the STIC Group. The discussion centered around emerging trends, cross-border collaborations, and evolving opportunities in the global tourism industry.
Minister Khaunte also held strategic discussions with his Uzbekistani counterpart, Shri Umid Shadiev, exploring potential tourism partnerships between Goa and Uzbekistan. Engaging with members of the press and industry stakeholders, he participated in a high-level business-to-business session alongside Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Secretary of Tourism for the Government of Goa, further strengthening the state’s tourism network.
Commenting on Goa’s presence at SATTE 2025, Minister Rohan A. Khaunte stated, “Goa has always been a leader in the tourism sector, and at SATTE 2025, we are reaffirming our commitment to responsible and regenerative tourism. Our focus is on sustainable and experiential travel, enhancing visitor experiences while ensuring that local communities reap the benefits. We look forward to engaging with industry leaders, stakeholders, and travelers to showcase the evolving dimensions of Goa’s tourism sector.”
Goa’s presence at SATTE 2025 underscores its status as a premier tourism destination in India, offering a vibrant mix of regenerative tourism, cultural heritage, adventure travel, and eco-friendly experiences. The Goa Pavilion reflects the state’s dedication to preserving its rich cultural roots, promoting sustainable tourism practices, and embracing adventure and festival tourism. It serves as a hub for vital business connections, dynamic discussions, and unveiling Goa’s latest tourism initiatives.
By championing sustainable tourism principles, Goa continues to set benchmarks in the Indian tourism industry, reinforcing its position as a trailblazer in innovative and responsible travel experiences.
