In a move aimed at elevating Goa‘s tourism sector beyond its beaches and embracing a perspective focused on ‘quality over quantity’ tourism, the state government of Goa officially launched two highly anticipated policies on Tuesday including Caravan Tourism Policy and the Homestay Bed & Breakfast Policy.
Announcing the set of incentives, Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said that the initial 100 homestays as part of the Homestay Bed & Breakfast Policy, will be eligible for reimbursements of up to INR 2 lakh for expenses incurred on furniture and furnishings. To avail of this benefit, homestay owners must make their purchases from vendors approved by the Department of Handicrafts, Textiles, and Coir.
“The initial 100 Bed & Breakfast establishments that have successfully completed one year of operation and are registered with the tourism department will also qualify for a reimbursement of the INR 1,000 registration fee during the policy’s inaugural year,” announced Khaunte.
Khaunte also disclosed that property and road taxes will be subject to reimbursement. Additionally, homestay operators will have their electricity and water tariffs waived, similar to domestic connections. Also, high-speed internet connectivity will be extended to Goa’s hinterlands, which will attract digital nomads and enhance the overall rural travel experience in the state, as per the tourism minister.
The Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Policy is strategically designed to promote rural tourism in the hinterlands of Goa. The key identified areas for this initiative include Sattari, Dharbandora, Sanguem, Bicholim, Ponda, Quepem, and Canacona.
“Initially, 100 homestays will be launched under the policy, a move that not only promises to boost livelihoods, upskill individuals, and generate employment but also provides an encouraging platform for women to enter the workforce,” asserted Khaunte.
Goa’s tourism department will offer comprehensive support to these homestays, providing them with valuable exposure through the official website and various promotional channels.
Additionally, the government has forged a strategic partnership with Airbnb, a renowned vacation rental company, to champion the Homestay and Bed & Breakfast policy. The particular focus, said Khaunte, is on preserving historic Goan houses and mansions, located in the remote areas.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte emphasised that when tourists venture into rural regions, they gain a profound understanding of the state’s culture, heritage, and have the opportunity to savour its authentic cuisine.
A first-of-its-kind museum, showcasing Goa’s legacy through the use of innovative technology has opened its doors to visitors. Commissioned by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) and designed by Oorja Interactive and Delta Technologies, the museum not only celebrates the historical significance of the region but also resonates with the contemporary spirit of the state. It promotes responsible tourism and offers unforgettable experiences to visitors.
Also present during the launch, Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant highlighted the policy’s potential to empower women entrepreneurs and lead tourists to the state’s hinterlands. “The tourists have displayed a growing interest in rural areas, particularly during the rainy season. Also, the Caravan Tourism Policy launching today is set to provide travellers with an enhanced means to explore Goa, further fostering adventure tourism opportunities and offering a more enriching journey through the region,” he added.
The Caravan Tourism Policy was also launched alongside the homestay policy. “Encouraging an alternative approach to travel, this policy is tailored to enable tourists to explore the depths of Goa beyond its stunning beaches, emphasising a commitment to ‘quality over quantity’ tourism experiences,” expressed Khaunte.
Under this policy, a fund of INR 20 lakhs will be allocated to subsidise the development of essential infrastructure for caravan parking facilities. Also, for the first 10 registered caravans, 25 per cent of motor vehicle tax will be reimbursed and the other following will also be eligible for reimbursements ranging between 10 to 15 per cent.
The Tourism Minister emphasised that this policy also encourages private operators to collaborate with established hotels, resorts, guesthouses, and jungle lodges to create caravan parks on the premises of these accommodations.
Additionally, the private operators have the freedom to establish standalone caravan parks at scenic locations, subject to obtaining the necessary licenses and no-objection certificates from the relevant authorities.
As per the announcement, both the policies are in effect for five years.
Chief Minister Sawant said that these policies provide a unique platform to spotlight Goa’s rich culture, its breathtaking natural beauty, and the enduring traditions that have been cherished for generations. “These policies will also help create jobs and boost the economy,” he said.
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In a move to redefine its tourism landscape traditionally known for beach-led tourism as well as to provide a cultural experience, the state government of Goa is gearing up to unveil its Homestay Policy, in a month’s time.
Sharing details with ETTravelWorld, Rohan Khaunte, Goa’s Minister of Tourism said that 100 houses exclusively located in rural regions like Bicholim have been earmarked for development under the Homestay Policy.
A key development is the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Airbnb earlier this year, which is expected to streamline processes and enhance the experience, as per Khaunte. This collaboration will focus on spotlighting hinterland and homestay tourism locations for travellers to explore.
To achieve this, Airbnb will conduct workshops and seminars to educate homestay hosts and B&B owners about responsible tourism practices, local regulations, and the importance of host registration, while also working to onboard more hosts and properties. Providing the global best practices, travel trends and insights to assist the Department of Tourism in making informed decisions on capacity building and progressive policies for responsible tourism will also be additional responsibility for Airbnb.
“Tourists opting for these homestays can anticipate an immersive experience, getting closer to local culture, traditions, festivals, cuisine, and more,” the minister stated.
Additionally, the introduction of homestays in rural regions including Bicholim and others will not only offer tourists an opportunity to experience the essence of Goan living but also create supplementary income sources for the local residents, Khaunte added.
The forthcoming Homestay Policy will be launched alongside a Caravan Policy, adding a new dimension to tourism beyond beaches. “This aims to promote a more flexible and itinerary-free recreational van experience, complete with dedicated caravan parks offering essential facilities and services,” the minister shared.
Khaunte emphasised the policy’s aim is to enhance overall tourist satisfaction, leading to increased tourism revenue and economic growth for the region, while breaking away from the limitations of seasonal tourism.
When asked about the benefits of these policies, Minister Khaunte emphasised that they align with the “Goa Roadmap,” a document recognised during the G20 Tourism Ministers meeting in India. The policies aim to drive a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive tourism sector, he said. In terms of benefits, they are expected to create a win-win scenario for tourists, local residents, and various stakeholders in the tourism industry.
Moreover, the government is also prepared to provide incentives, both fiscal and non-fiscal, to support these policies.
The new draft National Tourism Policy augurs well for rapid development of cruise tourism in India as it includes cruise tourism-friendly policies and the government’s plan to open 111 waterways in the country. Indira Banerjee, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Antara River Cruises, spoke to ETTravelWorld about the company’s approach to enhancing the cruise experience and its commitment to sustainability.
Besides these two, the Goa State Shack Policy 2023-2026, a comprehensive framework for the management and allocation of beach shacks, deck beds, and umbrellas along the state’s scenic coastlines for the next three years, has also recently gained approval from the state government. Beach shacks, constructed from eco-friendly materials, have long been a popular draw for tourists in Goa, and this policy is designed to bring more structure and oversight to their operation.
As per Khaunte, the implementation of the Beach Shack policy underscores the Goan government’s commitment to fostering tourism, engaging the younger generation, and boosting economic prosperity in our picturesque state. “This policy establishes a mutually beneficial arrangement for both our youthful entrepreneurs and tourists, not only empowering our young talent but also enhancing the overall tourist experience, further establishing Goa as a premier destination for those seeking sun, sand, and a taste of our unique culture.”
Looking ahead with a “quality over quantity” approach, Goa Tourism is eyeing new initiatives to increase both domestic and international footfalls to the state. The strategy includes the introduction of spiritual tourism circuits, encompassing not only temples but also yoga and wellness activities. Besides homestays, the focus is also on wellness, local cuisine, and festivities to enrich the overall tourist experience. Additionally, the ‘Temple Connect’ program will promote spiritual circuits, said Khaunte.
“The Tourism Department preparations are in full swing for the grand celebration of the 350th year of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja’s coronation, with plans unveiled for the upcoming Shiv Jayanti festival in six cities across Goa. The festival will be organised in locations including Panjim, Margao, Mapusa, Ponda, Vasco, and Bicholim,” he shared.
In response to post-Covid tourist preferences, Goa Tourism is focusing on tranquility, spirituality, and immersive experiences, said the minister, adding that this approach represents a shift from the ‘Goa Beyond Beaches‘ master plan.
“Our goal is to make tourism beneficial for every stakeholder at all levels of the tourism ecosystem. We are aligned with the Travel for LiFE program, developed under PM’s vision. Travellers will experience this philosophy at various touchpoints in Goa. Combined with the Goa Roadmap, it positions tourism as a vehicle for achieving sustainable development goals,” he assured.
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Tamil Nadu has set the ball rolling to attract investments of `20,000 crore in tourism in the next five years. Its first policy on tourism, unveiled a fortnight ago, declared tourism an ‘industry’ to ease the way for investments. While the move to leverage tourism to help achieve Tamil Nadu’s target of being a $1 trillion economy by 2030 has cheered industry, stakeholders underscore a slew of initiatives the government needs to focus on to make this a reality. These range from marketing the state’s diverse tourism offerings to roping in national and international tour operators to developing infrastructure.Shankar Vanavarayar, chairman, CII Tamil Nadu, says, coastal, cultural, medical and wellness, religious, and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) tourism are the key sectors the policy should target to bring investments into the state. “And for this, tier-2 cities such as Madurai, Coimbatore and Trichy should also be considered,” he says.
Medical and wellness tourism, among the 12 focused themes in the policy, is expected to further boom. Revenue from medical tourism is projected to hit $13 billion by 2026 in the country, and Tamil Nadu has a 40% share, according to industry estimates. The state’s multi-speciality and super-speciality hospitals attracted 1.5 million patients globally for medical diagnosis and treatment last year and this is expected to grow, says CII’s Tamil Nadu chapter. Patients from Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Iraq, Afghanistan, Oman, Maldives and Bangladesh choose Tamil Nadu for medical treatment and surgeries. And there is a steady flow in from other states.
FICCI Tamil Nadu state council chairperson G S K Velu says the thrust should be on promoting made-in-Tamil Nadu products. “The government should work closely with private institutions and reputable industrialists to position Tamil Nadu as the numero uno tourist destination with clean infrastructure and 100% safety,” he says. Tourism benefits several ancillary industries and generates employment in various sectors, he says on the benefits of `20,000 crore in investments over the next five years.
Tamil Nadu topped the country five times in attracting the highest number of overseas travellers between 2014 and 2020, while securing second position in the other two years. It had 17% to 21% of the total number of foreign tourists visiting India. While Tamil Nadu came second in the domestic tourism segment with 218.6 million visitors to the state in 2022, it went down to the sixth position in foreign tourist arrivals last year.
The decision to designate Manama as the capital of Gulf tourism for 2024 underscores Bahrain’s contributions to the growth of the Gulf tourism sector. Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority works closely with its partners to achieve the tourism goals outlined in the 2022-2026 strategy. In the previous year, the Kingdom welcomed 10 million tourists, showing a 20 per cent increase.
M K Ajit Kumar, president, Asia Pacific Tours, says Tamil Nadu’s tourism policy can help replicate Kerala’s success. “To attract both foreign and domestic investments for the tourism industry and allied activities, TN should focus on creating an investor-friendly environment through streamlined regulations, incentives and infrastructure development. Moreover, a substantial part of the investment should be used for creating world class convention centres to tap into the cycle of large international conferences, which are organised worldwide,” he says. The presence of corporate giants in Chennai provides a solid foundation for hosting large-scale conventions and conferences, attracting global participants, he adds. State director of tourism and TTDC managing director Sandeep Nanduri says for the first time, private tourism projects will be eligible for incentives under the industrial and MSME policies of the government. “Three categories depending on the quantum of investments — under `50 crore, `50-200 crore and above `200 crore — have been created for providing incentives,” he says.
The policy recognizes the value of private sector investment and expertise and aims to strengthen public-private partnerships to further Tamil Nadu’s tourism development.
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