Goa Tourism Promotes Ecotourism and Nature-Based Travel Through Statewide Initiatives.
Additionally, the government is also strengthening its focus on wellness tourism under the Goa Ayurveda and Wellness Policy 2026.
During the assembly session Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted the increased focus of Government of Goa’s on strengthening ecotourism and nature-based tourism projects across the state.
The Minister mentioned that the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) and the Department of Tourism have been actively supporting ecotourism initiatives that encourage tourists to explore Goa beyond its beaches while guaranteeing responsible tourism practices and environmental conservation with an emphasis on self-help groups and local development.
In order to allow visitors to experience Goa’s forests, wildlife, and other aspects of its biodiversity, GTDC has created eco-cottages in Selaulim village and introduced carefully chosen nature experiences like jeep safaris, walking treks, and monsoon trekking trails to Dudhsagar Waterfalls. These activities, which are carried out in association with the Goa Forest Department, seek to provide tourists a better understanding of Goa’s natural ecosystems while also raising awareness of conservation.
Goa’s tourism offers in its hinterland regions have been further expanded by the state’s promotion of adventure-based ecotourism experiences like white-water rafting in the Mhadei River in Sattari taluka during the monsoon season.
The Minister highlighted future prospects by saying that the government is identifying and developing a number of places with significant ecotourism potential. These include an eco-forest retreat project at Chapoli Dam in Canacona, a wellness destination center and eco-cottages at Anjunem in Keri, and a women-centric village development initiative in Cotigao that aims to improve facilities associated with traditional jaggery production while generating employment opportunities for local communities.
In order to create a structured framework for ecotourism development in Goa and ensure that tourism growth remains sustainable while safeguarding the state’s natural and cultural heritage, the Minister added that the department is researching globally recognised ecotourism models and best practices.
“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,” stated Tourism Minister Khaunte when discussing the significance of ecotourism in the state’s tourism strategy. This strategy heavily relies on ecotourism projects throughout Goa’s forests, rivers, and hinterland areas, and the government is still dedicated to creating these experiences in an organised and ecologically conscious way.
The Goa Ayurveda and wellbeing Policy 2026, which aims to establish Goa as a destination for Ayurveda and holistic wellbeing, is another way the government is stepping up its emphasis on wellness tourism. In order to promote Ayurvedic-based travel experiences in the state, the Department of Tourism has inked Memorandums of Understanding with organisations including the National Institute of Ayurveda and Panchakarma hospitals.
The Department of Tourism is working on awareness campaigns in addition to infrastructure improvements to encourage safe travel. To advise visitors and residents on ecologically responsible behaviour in ecologically vulnerable areas, advisories are frequently released via digital and social media platforms.
