TTT NEWS NETWORK
PANJIM | 10 MARCH 2026
Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte in today’s Assembly sitting highlighted the Government of Goa’s growing focus on strengthening ecotourism and nature-based tourism initiatives across the state.
The Minister noted that the Department of Tourism and the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) have been actively promoting ecotourism initiatives that encourage visitors to explore Goa beyond beaches, while ensuring responsible tourism practices and environmental conservation with a focus on local development and self-help groups.
As part of these initiatives, GTDC has developed eco-cottages in Selaulim village and introduced curated nature experiences such as jeep safaris, walking treks, and monsoon trekking trails to Dudhsagar Waterfalls, enabling visitors to experience Goa’s forests, wildlife and other elements of its biodiversity. These experiences are conducted in collaboration with the Goa Forest Department and aim to promote awareness about conservation while offering visitors a deeper understanding of Goa’s natural ecosystems.
The state has also been promoting adventure-based ecotourism experiences such as white-water rafting in the Mhadei River in Sattari taluka during the monsoon season, further expanding Goa’s tourism offerings in its hinterland regions.
Highlighting future opportunities, the Minister stated that the government is identifying and developing several locations with strong potential for ecotourism.
These include the development of a wellness destination centre and eco- cottages at Anjunem in Keri, an eco-forest retreat project at Chapoli Dam in Canacona, and a women-centric village development initiative in Cotigao that seeks to enhance facilities related to traditional jaggery production while creating livelihood opportunities for local communities.
The Minister further noted that the department is studying internationally recognised ecotourism models and global best practices to develop a structured framework for ecotourism development in Goa, ensuring that tourism growth remains sustainable while protecting the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Speaking on the importance of ecotourism in the state’s tourism strategy, Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte said, “Goa’s tourism vision is focused on promoting sustainable and responsible tourism that allows visitors to experience the state’s natural heritage while ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism- led economic opportunities. Ecotourism initiatives across Goa’s forests, rivers and hinterland regions play a key role in this approach, and the government remains committed to developing these experiences in a structured and environmentally responsible manner.”
Additionally, the Government is also strengthening its focus on wellness tourism through the Goa Ayurveda and Wellness Policy 2026, which seeks to position Goa as a destination for Ayurveda and holistic wellness. As part of this initiative, the Department of Tourism has signed MoUs with institutions such as the National Institute of Ayurveda and Panchakarma hospitals to promote Ayurveda-based tourism experiences in the state.
Alongside infrastructure development, the Department of Tourism is also undertaking awareness initiatives to promote responsible tourism behaviour. Advisories are regularly issued through digital and social media platforms to guide tourists and locals on environmentally responsible practices in ecologically sensitive areas.
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