Interview with Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director Tourism, Government of Goa & Managing Director, GTDC

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

In an exclusive interview with Travel And Tour World, Mr. Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, and Managing Director of GTDC, highlighted his efforts to promote Goa as a premier destination for slow travel in India. Mr. Anchipaka emphasized initiatives aimed at enhancing the travel experience by encouraging tourists to explore Goa’s rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and local lifestyle at a leisurely pace.

Travel And Tour World: What new initiatives is the Goa Tourism Department undertaking to attract both domestic and international tourists?

Suneel Anchipaka: The Goa Tourism Department is launching a series of innovative initiatives designed to attract both domestic and international tourists, focusing on sustainable and regenerative tourism practices. These efforts aim to enhance Goa’s appeal as a year-round destination and ensure its long-term viability as a tourist hotspot.

A key element of these initiatives is the introduction of Regenerative Tourism, making Goa the first state in India to adopt this progressive approach. Central to this initiative is the “Ekadasha Teertha,” which emphasizes spiritual tourism and the preservation of cultural heritage. This program seeks to provide visitors with an immersive experience of Goa’s rich spiritual traditions and cultural sites.

In addition to this, the department has introduced new homestay and caravan policies, offering unique accommodation options that allow tourists to experience local culture more intimately. By staying in local homes or traveling in caravans, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Goan life and traditions.

Goa is also expanding its adventure tourism offerings, promoting hinterland exploration, and developing eco-friendly tourism options. These initiatives aim to diversify the state’s tourism portfolio beyond the traditional sun, sand, and sea narrative, making it a more versatile and sustainable destination.

These efforts were prominently showcased at major travel trade shows such as ATM Dubai, GITB Jaipur, GITM, SATTE 2024, and OTM 2024. At these events, the Goa Tourism Pavilion featured interactive exhibits and presentations, engaging with industry professionals to forge new partnerships and collaborations.

Through these initiatives, Goa aims to promote responsible tourism practices and highlight its diverse cultural and natural attractions. By doing so, the state hopes to attract a broader range of tourists and foster sustainable growth in the tourism sector.

The Goa Tourism Department’s strategy underscores the importance of diversifying its tourism offerings and promoting a responsible and sustainable approach to tourism. With these efforts, Goa is set to remain a vibrant and appealing destination for travelers from around the world, ensuring its tourism sector continues to thrive while preserving its cultural and natural heritage for future generations.

Travel And Tour World: Are there any specific programs aimed at ensuring that tourism benefits residents economically and culturally?

Suneel Anchipaka: Goa is focusing on sustainable and regenerative tourism practices that involve local communities in planning and implementation. This approach aligns tourism development with local economic growth and cultural preservation. Initiatives like “Ekadasha Teertha” emphasize spiritual tourism and heritage preservation. New policies aim to boost economic opportunities by enhancing tourist engagement with local businesses and services. Goa promotes adventure and eco-tourism to support entrepreneurs in less-visited areas, offering authentic experiences such as local homestays, spice plantation tours, and white-water rafting. Tourists can enjoy local cuisine, traditional dances, and guided activities like bird watching, tree spotting, trekking, and learning about spices. The local transport system is also mobilized for convenience. These initiatives were showcased at major travel trade shows, demonstrating Goa’s commitment to sustainable tourism and fostering new partnerships. Collectively, these efforts aim to distribute tourism benefits widely, enhancing economic development and cultural enrichment for Goa’s residents.

Travel And Tour World: What are some of the key policy directions or strategic goals that you envision for Goa Tourism in the next five to ten years?

Suneel Anchipaka: Goa Tourism has outlined key policy directions and strategic goals for the next five to ten years, emphasizing sustainable development and diversification of its tourism offerings.

Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism: Goa aims to lead in sustainable tourism practices by implementing regenerative tourism initiatives. These efforts focus on preserving natural resources and promoting eco-friendly travel. The “Ekadasha Teertha Yatra,” a spiritual tourism initiative, is designed to preserve and promote the state’s cultural heritage.

Diversification of Tourism Products: Goa plans to expand beyond its traditional sun, sand, and sea image by promoting adventure, hinterland, and wellness tourism. New circuits and experiences will highlight Goa’s rich cultural and natural diversity.

Infrastructure Development: Enhancing tourism infrastructure is a priority, including improved connectivity and upgraded facilities at tourist sites. Plans include developing new airports and improving road and rail networks for seamless travel.

Promotion of Homestays and Local Businesses: Policies are being established to encourage homestays and support local entrepreneurs. This approach provides tourists with unique cultural experiences and ensures economic benefits for local communities.

Marketing and Branding: Goa is ramping up its marketing efforts to attract both domestic and international tourists. Participation in major travel trade shows and international events is a key strategy to showcase Goa’s diverse offerings and build new partnerships.

Skill Development and Capacity Building: Training and capacity building for tourism stakeholders are a focus, including upskilling local communities and hospitality professionals to enhance the overall quality of tourism services.

These strategic goals are part of Goa’s broader vision to become a year-round destination that offers diverse, high-quality tourism experiences while ensuring the sustainable development of its natural and cultural assets.

Travel And Tour World:  How is the Goa Tourism Department leveraging technology and innovation to enhance the tourist experience, and what future technological advancements can we expect in Goa’s tourism sector?

Suneel Anchipaka: The Goa Tourism Department is leveraging technology and innovation to enhance the tourist experience significantly. Key initiatives include the “Goa Taxi App,” which improves transportation services by providing reliable taxi bookings for tourists. Another major initiative, the Global Opportunities Aggregator (G.O.A.), aims to make Goa a hub for mobile IoT and innovation. This initiative focuses on enhancing digital infrastructure, promoting local talent, and fostering collaboration through remote working platforms and co-working spaces in scenic and heritage locations.

Future advancements will feature interactive and immersive digital experiences, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), offering virtual tours and enriching the storytelling of Goa’s cultural and natural heritage. Additionally, sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices are emphasized, supported by smart technologies that manage resources efficiently and minimize environmental impact. These initiatives demonstrate Goa’s commitment to becoming a leading destination for technology-driven and sustainable tourism, ensuring a modern and enriching travel experience for visitors.

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