Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted the Government of Goa’s growing focus on strengthening ecotourism and nature-based tourism initiatives across the state during today’s Assembly sitting.
The Minister noted that the Department of Tourism and the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) are actively promoting ecotourism experiences that encourage visitors to explore Goa beyond its beaches while ensuring responsible tourism practices, environmental conservation, and community development through local participation 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. These activities allow visitors to explore Goa’s forests, wildlife, and biodiversity while also creating awareness about conservation. The initiatives are being conducted in collaboration with the Goa Forest Department.
The state is also expanding adventure-based ecotourism offerings, including white-water rafting in the Mhadei River in Sattari taluka during the monsoon season, further diversifying tourism opportunities in Goa’s hinterland regions.
Looking ahead, the government is identifying and developing several locations with strong potential for ecotourism. Planned initiatives 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 aimed at strengthening traditional jaggery production while creating livelihood opportunities for local communities.
The Minister also 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 sustainable tourism growth while protecting the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Speaking on the importance of ecotourism in the state’s tourism strategy, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte said that Goa’s tourism vision is centred on promoting sustainable and responsible tourism that allows visitors to experience the state’s natural heritage while ensuring local communities benefit from tourism-led economic opportunities. He added that ecotourism initiatives across forests, rivers, and hinterland regions play a key role in this approach.
Additionally, the Government is strengthening its focus on wellness tourism through the Goa Ayurveda and Wellness Policy 2026, which aims to position the state as a leading destination for Ayurveda and holistic wellness. As part of this initiative, the Department of Tourism has signed MoUs with institutions including the National Institute of Ayurveda and Panchakarma hospitals to promote Ayurveda-based tourism experiences.
Alongside infrastructure development, the Department of Tourism is also conducting awareness initiatives to encourage responsible tourism behaviour. Advisories are regularly issued through digital and social media platforms to guide both tourists and locals on environmentally responsible practices in ecologically sensitive areas.
