Tourism Goa and MakeMyTrip partner to showcase hidden inland gems

The Goa government recently announced its regenerative tourism initiative centered around 11 places of worship spread across the coastal state. The Tourism Department wants to promote these places of religious importance will help engage local communities and ensure that those living in the hinterland can generate a better income. (Image: Reuters)

MakeMyTrip's participation is pivotal in this initiative, leveraging its expertise in digital innovation and marketing to enhance the visibility and appeal of Goa tourism. The travel giant will spotlight Goa's inland cultural diversity and culinary heritage, typically overshadowed by its popular coastal attractions, by curating a Cultural Map of Goa and launching various campaigns to showcase the multifaceted state to potential travelers.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with the Government of Goa," said Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip. "Our focus will be on unveiling Goa's unexplored facets, promoting homestays in its interiors, and fostering a sustainable tourism ecosystem collaboratively."

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MakeMyTrip's plans include crafting unique travel itineraries and promoting Goa's diverse festivals. "Through this MoU, we are not merely promoting tourism; we are nurturing it to be adaptable, inclusive, and sustainable. Our aim is to contribute to the creation of a Goa that is both enduring and enchanting," emphasised Rajesh.

Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director Tourism & MD, GTDC Goa Administration, who attended the ceremony said, "We are focused on positioning Goa on the spiritual tourism map of India, integrating it with the wellness offerings the state provides. As part of our Regenerative Tourism initiative, we have launched the Ekadasha Teertha campaign, connecting eleven places of worship to form a travel circuit. We aim to develop plastic-free and sustainable ecosystems around these sites, ensuring sustainable growth for both hosts and tourists. Our goal is to make Goa a host-centric, people-first tourism destination."

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Central to this MoU is the commitment to sustainable tourism, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasized by Goa Tourism and the Goa Roadmap, a significant outcome of India's G20 Tourism Track. MakeMyTrip's involvement will extend beyond promoting sustainable accommodation and visit options to educating visitors about the state. In collaboration with the Government of Goa, the company will utilize over 500,000 single-use plastic bottles to create a public art installation, serving as a symbol of environmental preservation and a reminder of the importance of sustainable tourism practices.

As Goa leads the charge in launching Regenerative Tourism in India, the department aims to promote environmental restoration, cultural preservation, and community empowerment over the next thirty-six months through spirituality, indigeneity, civilizational and cultural nationalism, and conscious tourism.

The Ekadasha Teertha initiative revolves around local communities, especially women and youth, aiming to foster sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the populace.

In conclusion, the Goa Tourism Minister, Shri Rohan Khaunte, emphasized that this MoU signifies more than just an agreement; it represents a long-term vision for Goa, ensuring the preservation of its cultural and natural heritage for future generations.