Goa Tourism made a grand impression at South Asia’s Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2025, held at Yashobhoomi (IICC), New Delhi. The Goa Pavilion was inaugurated with great fervor by Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, who led the state delegation. Accompanying him were Secretary Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS; Shri Shawn Mendes, OSD to the Tourism Minister; Shri Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager (Marketing), GTDC; Shri Jayesh Kankonkar, Assistant Director of Tourism; and Smt Chitra Vengurlekar, Assistant Tourist Officer.
A Grand Inauguration
The Goa Pavilion stood out as a vibrant showcase of the state’s diverse tourism offerings, highlighting its commitment to responsible and regenerative tourism. Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte stated, “Goa has always been at the forefront of India’s tourism landscape. At SATTE 2025, we are reinforcing our vision of responsible and regenerative tourism, emphasizing sustainable and experiential travel that benefits both visitors and local communities.”
The pavilion featured interactive exhibits, immersive cultural displays, and informative sessions that provided visitors with insights into Goa’s evolving tourism landscape. Designed to engage industry stakeholders, it highlighted the state’s initiatives in cultural heritage, adventure, eco-tourism, and sustainable travel experiences.
Thought-Provoking Panel Discussion
One of the key highlights of Goa’s participation at SATTE 2025 was the panel discussion featuring Shri Rohan A. Khaunte alongside global tourism leaders. The session included prominent figures such as Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Uzbekistan, Shri Umid Shadiev; Hon’ble Vice Minister, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand, Shri Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham; and Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, Shri Temjen Imna Along.
The discussion centered around emerging trends in global tourism, with a special focus on sustainable and regenerative tourism. Shri Rohan A. Khaunte shared valuable insights on Goa’s journey towards responsible tourism, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation in enhancing visitor experiences. The session was well received by industry leaders and stakeholders, further cementing Goa’s reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism practices.
Strategic Collaborations and Networking
During SATTE 2025, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte held a high-level meeting with Uzbekistan’s Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Umid Shadiev, exploring collaboration opportunities between Goa and Uzbekistan. This strategic discussion aimed at strengthening tourism ties and promoting cross-cultural exchanges.
Additionally, the Goa delegation engaged in business-to-business (B2B) meetings with top industry officials and media representatives. These interactions provided a platform to discuss Goa’s latest tourism initiatives, expand international partnerships, and enhance visibility for the state’s diverse travel experiences.
Emphasis on Regenerative Tourism and Cultural Heritage
Goa Tourism’s presence at SATTE 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to regenerative tourism, aiming to create immersive travel experiences while preserving the state’s rich cultural and natural heritage. The pavilion highlighted key initiatives such as:
- Regenerative Tourism: Focused on minimizing environmental impact, supporting local communities, and ensuring sustainable visitor experiences.
- Cultural Heritage & Festivals: Showcasing Goa’s unique blend of Indian and Portuguese influences, traditional art forms, and vibrant festivals.
- Adventure and Eco-Tourism: Promoting adventure sports, trekking, water activities, and eco-tourism to attract experiential travelers.
- Sustainable Travel Experiences: Encouraging responsible tourism practices that contribute positively to local culture and heritage.
Business Opportunities and Industry Engagement
The Goa Pavilion served as a crucial networking hub at SATTE 2025, bringing together travel agents, tour operators, and international buyers. The pavilion facilitated interactive sessions and strategic partnerships, positioning Goa as a premier destination for experiential and responsible tourism.
With growing global interest in sustainable travel, Goa’s emphasis on experiential and cultural tourism resonated strongly with industry stakeholders. The state’s proactive approach to tourism development has further strengthened its appeal as a top destination for conscious travelers.
Media Presence and Public Engagement
Shri Rohan A. Khaunte actively engaged with media representatives, highlighting Goa’s strategic vision for the future. His discussions focused on Goa’s innovative tourism strategies, commitment to sustainability, and efforts to enhance visitor experiences while supporting local communities.
The event garnered significant media attention, reinforcing Goa’s image as a leader in responsible tourism. Coverage of Goa’s participation at SATTE 2025 underscored its evolving tourism landscape and dedication to sustainable travel.
Goa Tourism’s Vision for the Future
Recognized as one of India’s most sought-after travel destinations, Goa continues to set new benchmarks in the tourism sector. The state’s strong presence at SATTE 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to responsible tourism, cultural preservation, and sustainable practices.
By showcasing its rich heritage, adventure tourism prospects, and regenerative tourism initiatives, Goa is redefining its tourism narrative. With a firm focus on sustainability and experiential travel, the state is poised for continued growth, offering visitors unique and meaningful travel experiences while preserving its natural and cultural treasures
