Goa Tourism News

*A week long celebration of all things Goan announced in collaboration with Goa Tourism Department* Airbnb in collaboration with the Goa Tourism Department, launches ‘Rediscover Goa’, a week-long celebration of Goa’s vast cultural diversity beyond its beaches and dazzling nightlife. Cultre, a creative and cultural enterprise that seeks to promote India’s pluralistic cultural heritage through content, products and experiences has been onboarded as the knowledge partner to help curate the experiences and bring to life all things Goan. … The ‘Rediscover Goa’ celebration will take place from December 12-18, and will offer 20+ specially curated unique Airbnb Experiences hosted by local experts highlighting the eclectic culture, rich heritage, musical traditions, culinary delicacies and thriving landscapes of Goa across the Northern and Southern districts of the state. … This week-long celebration of Goa and its culture aims to highlight how the state’s inherited traditions and cultural legacy form the basis of Goan living even in this day and age. The experiences will not only let one indulge in the many bounties of Goa but also help engage with the vibrant local culture. The existing pockets of lesser-known curiosities that make Goa unique will now be accessible for all enthusiasts to experience. […]

The Jazz India Circuit (JIC) is all set to come to Goa on November 30th and December 1st at the International Centre Goa (ICG) Dona Paula. The JIC is a one-stop destination to hear the newest and most diverse jazz acts. The event is organized by Teamwork Arts and has a stellar line-up of jazz artists. Other than that a series of music workshops, interactive experiential spaces, a bustling flea market, and a vibrant food court with flavors from all over the globe and a feast of art and craft activities. Speaking about the Goa leg of JIC 2019, Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, said, “The JIC celebrates the best of contemporary jazz bringing new idioms and the innovative spirit of jazz to the forefront for Indian audiences. JIC Goa showcases experimental jazz that blends diverse genres like punk, funk, hip-hop, folk and world music.”

The State Transport Authority under the Department of Transport,  Govt. of Goa has granted approval for operations of GoaMiles app-based taxi service in accordance with the Guidelines for App Taxi operators in the State. This approval from the Goa Transport Department now makes GoaMiles the state-run app-based taxi service and throws open its doors for all categories of registered vehicles to sign up and boost the State’ first and only app-based taxi service – GoaMiles. Following this approval, the aggregator can now aggregate taxis in the category of AGT(All Goa Tourist), Yellow black taxis and AITP taxis, Yellow Black  Motorcycles, Rent a Cab, Rent a Bike etc as per the guidelines formulated by STA. Goa has around 30,000 registered tourist taxis operating across the State. GoaMiles which was launched last year by the Goa Tourism Development  Corporation has already achieved success and had been appealing to local tourist operators to join the new service which has proven beneficial to the hundreds of taxi operators already in service with GoaMiles. GoaMiles is managed by a local Goan company called FrotaMiles Pvt. Ltd. created as an SPV as per the requirements of the tendering process.  This SPV  is the subsidiary of the […]

During monsoons, nightlife events and watersports activities are less. However, the rains make Goa more magical. There is a lot more greenery and the air feels fresher. People can visit local restaurants to enjoy hot samosas and kappas with tea while listening to the sound of the rain hitting the earth. Those who are adventurous can go for whitewater rafting or trekking. The monsoons are a great time to visit majestic waterfalls like Dudhsagar, Netravali, Amboli, Kesarval spring, Tambdi Surla, and Harvalem waterfall. For the people who are disappointed with the lack of watersport activities, there is no need to worry. You can try out flyboarding, catamaran sailing, kayaking, speed boating, banana rides, etc.  One can also explore the quieter places of Goa. One of them is Fontainhas – a Latin quarter which has heritage Portuguese houses, narrow streets, and colourful architecture. Other than this place there are many tranquil islands to visit that are full of natural beauty and cultural treats. Some of them are Divar Island, Chorao Island, San Jacinto Island, Butterfly Island, and Conco Island. In some of these places, you can rent a bicycle and tour these beautiful places. If you want to stay indoors and […]

Disabled people sometimes find it hard to go to places outside of their homes. Enable Travel, accessible holiday specialist, in partnership with Ezy Mov, Wheelchair taxi service, aims to provide guided tours in the state of Goa, especially for those people who have mobility issues. Bennet D’cunha, CEO of Ezy Mov, stated: “We’re trying to bring a complete end to end accessibility in India. Our objective is to put Goa on the global map as long as accessible travel is concerned.” Goa was chosen by them specifically because it is a premier tourist destination.  This service is not only for the disabled but for the elderly as well. If a person can’t move about properly, Enable Travel supplies caregivers and high-quality equipment, which enables that person to access places like mountains and beaches. Ezy Mov contributes by providing accessible transport with its taxis which are equipped with features like hydraulic lifts and wheelchair restraint systems. Romeo Ravva, co-founder and director for Ezy Mov, revealed: “The entire family can go together in the same car. We’re also working on an app where people can call for a taxi.” D’cunha said: “We plan to put out 5 taxis (by next month). It’ll […]

Kala Academy has come alive with ‘Goa Saras 2018’- presented by District Rural Development Agency, Government of Goa. It was inaugurated on 13th December 2018.  Goa Saras 2018 is an exhibition cum sale of rural arts, crafts, and various items produced by Self Help Groups.  This event definitely contributes to the Goa State Rural Livelihood Mission ‘Streeshakti’ (woman empowerment). One of the dignitaries at the inauguration commented: “Self-help groups will get the opportunity to promote their products.” Some of the SHG’s were the Mizoram State Rural Livelihoods Mission, Directorate Of Woman And Child Development, Purmar Kulmaya, Vignaharta SHG, Deep Jyoti SHG, Chana Laxmi, Shree Laxmi, etc.  They sold various products such as Hanging decorations, seashell craft, clothes, bedsheets, showpieces, baskets, Kerala traditional handicrafts, jewellery, pickles, chips, spices, shoes, cashew nuts, Kurtis, bags, crochet artificial flowers, children’s clothes,  and much more. SHERYL GONSALVES | NT GOGOANOW.COM Pics Credit – Shivang Mishra I NT GOGOANOW.COM (The exhibition will continue till 23rd December 2018- 10 am to 9 pm)

Salman Khan launched the 12th season of ‘Big Boss’ on Tuesday at a press conference in Goa. The actor, who is returning as the host of the show for the 9th consecutive time, was present along with Bharti Singh and her husband Harsh Limbachiya to speak about the show and what audiences can expect from the upcoming season. Returning as the host for the 9th season in a row, superstar Salman Khan said, “Bigg Boss is a show that not only the Nation looks forward to but even I look forward to it with equal gusto. Though I have been hosting it for 8 years, every time it brings in a new experience for me and I make a few more connections. The theme ‘vichitra jodis’ is very amusing and the vast array of couples that we have shortlisted will surely keep the viewers engrossed in the show.” Raj Nayak, Chief Operating Officer, Viacom18 said, “Bigg Boss is a classic example of disruptive innovation. The show has not only earned us a loyal audience base over the years but has also earned us rich dividends in terms of our partnerships and alliances. Our 9-year long association with Salman Khan has […]

In a very unique initiative between Goa Tourism and Nestle India, a limited edition KitKat Travel Break Pack was launched today by Nilesh Cabral, Chairman, Goa Tourism Development Corporation along with Sanjay Khajuria, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Nestle India, Jagdeep Marahar, Factory Manager KitKat, Sanjay Bhandari , Corporate Affairs Manager and others. KIT KAT which has always inspired consumers to take a break from the monotonous routine launches the new tin travel break pack showcasing immersive lesser known travel locations of Goa and will be manufactured only in Goa for supplies to the entire market of India after the launch today. As part of its corporate social responsibility, Nestle India has been carrying out various activities in the country mainly in the areas of Nutrition Health & Wellness, Water, and rural development with the objective of “Enhancing quality of life and contributing to the healthier future” of society where Nestle India operates. In addition to the launch of the KitKat Travel Break Pack, Nestle India also joined hands with Goa Tourism and Drishti to launch training of 1000 lifeguards, cruise crew, beach cleaning staff and watersport operators across the state of Goa. Commenting on the initiative taken up by […]

After sailing around the globe for 254 days, spending 194 days at sea and covering a distance of 21,600 nautical miles the all-women crew onboard INSV Tarini on Monday returned to Goa. The expedition ‘Navika Sagar Parikrama’ the first-ever Indian circumnavigation on an Indian-built sailboat, INSV Tarini, aimed at promoting women empowerment aligned with the Government of India’s thrust for ‘Nari Shakti’ led by Lieutenant Commander Vartika Joshi. The expedition began on September 10, 2017, visiting five countries and en route touching four continents, crossing three oceans, three major capes – Leeuwin, Horn and Good Hope– and crossed the Equator twice before reaching INS Mandovi boat pool at Verem. The other crewmembers include Lieutenant Commander Pratibha Jamwal, Lieutenant Aishwarya Boddapati, Lieutenant Patarapalli Swathi, Lieutenant Sh Vijaya Devi and Lieutenant Payal Gupta. The expedition was completed in five legs– Leg I (Goa– Fremantle, Australia), Leg II (Fremantle – Lyttelton), Leg III (Lyttelton– Falkland), Leg IV (Falkland– Cape Town), Leg V (Cape Town– Goa) which covered over 21,600 nautical miles. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who flagged-off INSV Tarini from INS Mandovi boat pool, Verem in September was here in Goa to flag in the voyage along with Chief of Naval Staff Admiral […]

EDC Ltd. which has developed the Patto Plaza, the commercial hub of Goa, has taken up the beautification of the Plaza. As a part of this beautification project and an initiative of Department of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, EDC Ltd. have installed 3 sculptures at prominent locations at the EDC Patto Plaza Complex. The unveiling of these sculptures was done on April 30 by Minister for Art and Culture, Govind Gaude, Chairman of EDC– Sidharth Kuncaliker and other officials. The ‘Balancing Figure’ which is designed by Bisaji Gadekar is installed near the Sesa Ghor, the ‘Women Empowerment’ sculpture designed by Mahendra Potdar is installed at the Patto circle and the sculpture depicting ‘Digital Education’ which is designed by Verodina D’souza is installed near the EDC Ltd. site. Speaking at the unveiling of these sculptures, Minister for Art and Culture, Govind Gaude said that, the Government is coming up with new ideas to take Goa forward and beautification of the Patto Plaza is one of them. To this Gaude added that the Government is taking big strides on a developmental front and to compliment this development the idea of beautification of the Plaza will be implemented in other major […]

Colva beach, South Goa’s most popular shore is all set for development under Govt. of India’s Iconic Tourist Sites project and is slated to not only boost beach tourism but up the profile of the local area along with community development. Colva will be e India’s only beach which will be covered under this project along with 11 other tourist locations across the country which have been identified by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India. Employment generation, development of the local culture, occupations, beautification, infrastructure, provision of facilities, public amenities are some of the key objectives of the initiative. On April 7, Rashmi Verma, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India, chaired a high level meeting with all key officials from the Govt. of Goa and Goa Tourism at the Paryatan Bhavan, Panjim where details were unfolded on the Govt. of India’s Iconic Tourist Sites Development Project for Colva beach. Stakeholders from Colva including representatives on behalf of local MLA of Benaulim who attended the meeting stressed on the need for measures to be stepped up with regards to cleanliness and hygiene, parking, garbage collection, regulation of water sports activities, shacks, sewerage and several environmental issues.

Goa Tourism unveiled-‘The Spirit of Goa Festival 2018’ at the D B Bandodkar Ground, Campal, Panjim. The three day festival which will span over three days from April 6-8, was inaugurated by Manohar Ajgaonkar, Minister for Tourism, Nilesh Cabral, Chairman of GTDC and other officials. The three day event is themed on Goa’s drupe fruits–Coconut and Cashew, wherein a variety of products, cuisine, beverages, handicrafts and others showcasing the traditional aspects and the goodness associated with this produce. The festival will also feature live demo’s on distilling of cashew and coconut juice into relished heritage brew of ‘Feni’. Besides these, authentic Goan food, involving coconut and cashew will as the key ingredients in the cuisine and beverages will be prepared and served during the three-day festival. On day one, the festival drew large crowds including tourists and locals who danced away to songs from Lulu Fortes from Rhythm & Blues with good old Latin and Konkani hits followed by Lorna Cordeiro , Goa’s very own legend who lit up the stage with her presence accompanied by a large format ensemble with mesmerizing dances during her act. On all three days, brass band serenades will entertain and keep the spirit of […]

In a bid to keep the state open defecation free, the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) is carrying out mapping and geo-tagging of public toilets to make them more accessible for citizens to help locate public toilets in the state at the tip of their fingers. Residents and tourists will soon be able to locate washrooms near them at their fingertips with the help of Google map. About 360 public toilets besides those located at petrol pumps, railway stations and bus stands, are being can be located on the service. Google Maps will provide information on public toilets in across the state. Toilets can be located not just through the app on mobile phones (Android and iOS), but on desktop computers as well. Nothing could be more embarrassing for a globally-recognised tourist destination – Goa – to realise that none of its villages or urban areas have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) under the Centre’s ambitious Swachh Bharat Mission. Goa being the smallest state and tourist destination is still struggling with the issue of open defecation. The ‘toiler locator’ feature was added to Google Maps in collaboration with the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) and details about 360 […]

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, on Friday, said that the government will start its efforts to attain seven-star rating for Panaji city, right from the Boca de Vaca (Mouth of the Cow) spring touristic spot, under the ‘Protocol for Star Rating of Garbage-Free Cities: The Chief Minister, who was speaking after inauguration of the renovated and upgraded spring tun-nel and surrounding are-as at the city Boca de Vaca spring, said that the department of tourism will make all efforts to publicise the location as a touristic spot through its website as a large number of tourists come to visit the beautiful spring tunnel. Parrikar further said that by March 2018, the spot will be provided with various kiosks operated by the neighborhood locals, however, its cleanliness and aesthetics would not be compromised at any cost. “They can earn their livelihood from this place, but should not forget that belongingness is a very important part of this project,- he noted. It may be recalled that Parrikar, along with the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh PIA had recently launched the ‘Protocol for Star Rating of Garbage-free cities’. The government has spent Its 1.15 crore on […]