By Vinod Raghavan*
Muscat: The moment you think of Goa, you immediately get a feel of a holiday in a picturesque landscape! What comes before the eyes are its serene beaches, golden sands and people lazing on the rhythm of waves, rows of palm trees, Goan cuisines and colourful eateries and stayhomes.
Goa has now spread its wings and is wooing tourists from Oman. The state government’s tourism ministry is luring travellers and picnickers from Oman by unfolding the beauty and charm of the coastal state with its scenic beauty and its friendly environment.
As part of the promotion, a day-long roadshow was organized by the Goa Tourism in Muscat, the capital of Oman, reinforcing its commitment to promoting the state as a premier tourism destination in the Middle East.
The roadshow served as a strategic platform to engage with key travel trade professionals, tour operators, media representatives, and potential investors, highlighting Goa’s diverse tourism offerings and emerging opportunities.
The roadshow featured an engaging networking session, where key discussions revolved around new tourism initiatives, including regenerative tourism, eco-tourism circuits, and the promotion of niche segments such as wellness tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural heritage experiences.
Commenting on the roadshow, the state’s tourism minister, Rohan A. Khaunte, said, “Goa is evolving beyond its beaches to offer a diverse and enriching tourism experience — from the serene charm of our hinterlands and spiritual circuits to world-class infrastructure for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism. Through this roadshow in Oman, we aim to strengthen ties with the Middle East market, inviting travellers and businesses alike to discover the coastal Indian state’s vibrant culture, natural beauty, and growing potential as a holistic tourism destination.”
Highlighting the importance of the roadshow, Director of Tourism, Kedar Naik stated, “Goa continues to position itself as a global tourism hub, offering diverse experiences beyond its beaches. The state has always been a melting pot of cultures, offering visitors a blend of rich heritage, serene landscapes, and immersive experiences. Through strategic international engagements, we aim to strengthen tourism partnerships, enhance connectivity, and showcase our commitment to regenerative and sustainable tourism.”
Managing Director of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation, Kuldeep Arolkar, emphasized the state’s position as a world-class tourism destination and highlighted new initiatives under the ‘Regenerative Tourism’ model. “Oman is an important market for Goa, and we are committed to strengthening tourism collaboration between our regions. This roadshow has provided a valuable platform for fostering strategic partnerships, enhancing connectivity, and introducing new travel experiences that resonate with international travellers,” he said.
The response from Oman’s travel trade community has been overwhelmingly positive. “We look forward to welcoming more visitors from Oman and working closely with stakeholders to create customized experiences that showcase Goa’s rich cultural and natural heritage,” Arolkar said.
The Goa Tourism delegation was accompanied by members of the Travel Trade Association led by Jack Sukhija, president, and others consisting of charter operators, hoteliers, and travel agents.
Tavishi Bahl, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Muscat, addressed the gathering with remarks on the roadshow, highlighting the growing tourism and cultural ties between Goa and Oman.
*Senior journalist
