Goa and MakeMyTrip Forge Partnership to Transform Tourism Beyond Beaches
The Government of Goa and leading Indian travel company MakeMyTrip (MMT) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to elevate Goa into a year-round destination, extending beyond its renowned sun, sand, and beaches. This unique public-private partnership aims to introduce a series of innovative initiatives that showcase Goa's lesser-known inland treasures, rich cultural tapestry, and culinary traditions.
Under the agreement, MMT plans to leverage its expertise in digital innovation and marketing to broaden the reach and appeal of the coastal state. The Tourism Minister of Goa highlighted the government's commitment to transforming the region through the Regenerative Tourism initiative. As part of this initiative, the Ekadasha Teertha campaign is connecting eleven places of worship to form a travel circuit.
Over the next 36 months, the Tourism Department aims to promote environmental restoration, cultural preservation, and community empowerment through four paths: spirituality, indigeneity, civilizational and cultural nationalism, and conscious tourism.
The collaboration also includes the development of a Cultural Map of Goa, emphasizing the state's inland cultural richness and culinary traditions. The partnership aims to promote homestay penetration across the interiors of Goa, offering travelers a deeper exploration of the state's diverse offerings. The initiative will also include unique travel itineraries and the promotion of Goa's festivals.
The MOU emphasizes a commitment to sustainable tourism, with plans to use over 500,000 single-use plastic bottles to construct a public art display symbolizing environmental preservation and advocating for sustainable practices in tourism. The goal is to ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are distributed equitably across the state.
Rohan Khaunte, Minister of Tourism, IT, E&C, and Printing and Stationery, Government of Goa, stated, "Our partnership with MakeMyTrip will help us introduce tourists to the heart and soul of Goa". Rajesh Magow, Cofounder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, expressed the company's focus on showcasing the unexplored facets of Goa and promoting a sustainable tourism ecosystem.
