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Government of Goa and MakeMyTrip forge historic partnership

This one-of-its-kind public-private partnership aims to boost Goa to a year-round holiday destination and showcase its lesser known treasure.

In a landmark initiative, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, and MakeMyTrip inked a first-of-its-kind Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signifying a ground-breaking public-private partnership. This collaborative effort aims to propel tourism in Goa into a vibrant, year-round destination, moving beyond its iconic sun, sand, and beaches.

Goa is the first state in India to launch a regenerative tourism initiative. The MoU outlines a series of innovative initiatives to showcase Goa’s lesser-known inland treasures, its rich cultural tapestry, and delectable culinary traditions. The Tourism Minister of Goa emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming Goa.

During the signing ceremony, Rohan Khaunte, Minister of Tourism, IT, E&C, and Printing and Stationery, Government of Goa, said, “Our collective vision of ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’ is to bring the hidden splendours of Goa to the forefront, celebrate its rich cultural heritage, take tourism to the hinterlands of Goa, and ensure sustainable and regenerative tourism practices that preserve our natural resources for generations to come. Our partnership with MakeMyTrip will help us introduce tourists to the heart and soul of Goa, ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism are equitably distributed across the state.”

MakeMyTrip’s involvement is critical in this endeavour, as the company brings its expertise in digital innovation and marketing, contributing to further broaden the reach and appeal of Goa tourism. The travel major will highlight the state’s inland cultural richness and culinary traditions, which usually take a back seat to popular coastal attractions by curating a cultural map of Goa.

“We are excited to embark on this journey with the Government of Goa,” said Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip. “Our efforts will be directed towards showcasing the unexplored facets of Goa, promoting homestay penetration across the interiors of Goa and collaboratively nurturing a sustainable tourism ecosystem.”

The spokesperson outlined MakeMyTrip’s plans, including curating unique travel itineraries and promoting various festivals of Goa. “Through this MOU, we are not just promoting tourism – we are nurturing it to be adaptive, inclusive, and sustainable,” Rajesh emphasized.

Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director Tourism and MD, GTDC Goa Administration, who attended the ceremony added, “We are also focused on spotlighting Goa on the spiritual tourism map of India combining it with the wellness options the state has to offer. We have launched the Ekadasha Teertha campaign as part of our Regenerative Tourism initiative where we are connecting eleven places of worship to form a travel circuit. We are working towards building plastic-free and sustainable ecosystems in and around these sites to ensure the growth is in the right direction. Our endeavour is to make Goa a host-centric, people-first tourism destination.”

A central feature of this MOU is the commitment to sustainable tourism, aligning it with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasized by Goa Tourism and the Goa Roadmap, a significant outcome of India’s G20 Tourism Track.

In collaboration with the Government of Goa, MakeMyTrip will use over 500,000 single-use plastic bottles to construct a public art display that serves as a symbol of environmental preservation and a stark reminder of the importance of sustainable tourism practices.

The Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte emphasized that this MoU is more than just an agreement, it is a testament to a long-term vision for Goa, ensuring the preservation of its cultural and natural heritage for future generations.