The Government of Goa hosted one of the largest Yuva Tourism Clubs Meet at Darbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Dona Paula, on Thursday. The event saw the participation of over 1,000 students and youth representatives from educational institutions across the state. The aim was to explore new tourism opportunities, regenerative practices, and highlight the crucial role of the youth in shaping the future of Goa’s tourism landscape.
Goa’s Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant, Minister for Tourism, Rohan A. Khaunte, Secretary of Tourism, Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, and Director of Tourism and Managing Director of GTDC, Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, were among the dignitaries in attendance. Prominent leaders from the tourism industry, including President of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), Jack Sukhija, were also present.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant addressed the gathering, emphasizing the potential of Yuva Tourism Clubs in integrating local youth into the tourism sector. “Yuva Clubs will play a crucial role in integrating Goan manpower into the hospitality sector. Collective efforts are essential from the youth of Goa to promote new avenues of tourism, including sustainable, wellness, adventure, and spiritual tourism,” Sawant said. He stressed that Goa needs young ambassadors to represent the state, promoting it as a leading destination for responsible and meaningful travel. “We need to create a lasting legacy for future generations,” he added.
Dr. Sawant also assured the youth that the tourism sector in Goa would provide ample job opportunities in the coming years. “The Yuva Tourism Club serves as a valuable platform for students and the youth entirely, offering avenues for skilling, reskilling, and upskilling,” he noted, encouraging students to aspire for greater achievements in the tourism industry.
Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the key role of youth in shaping the future of tourism. “The Yuva Tourism Club draws inspiration from the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ meaning the world is one family,” said Khaunte. He emphasized the importance of this ethos in promoting unity and peace through tourism, adding, “As India’s tourism landscape evolves, this presents a golden opportunity for young people to become global ambassadors.”
Khaunte lauded the presence of more than a thousand students in the Yuva Tourism Club, calling on the youth to embrace their potential as agents of change. He also detailed several initiatives by the Department of Tourism aimed at promoting sustainable tourism, introducing the participants to innovative concepts such as regenerative tourism and the promotion of Goa beyond its well-known beaches.
Suneel Anchipaka, Director of Tourism, welcomed the participants, emphasizing Goa’s pioneering role in implementing regenerative tourism practices. “Goa is proud to be India’s first state to implement regenerative tourism, focusing on environmental restoration, community empowerment, and cultural preservation,” said Anchipaka. He credited the Yuva Tourism Clubs for their significant contributions, noting that by 2024, the number of such clubs had grown from 30 to over 150 across Goa. “We are empowering our youth to shape Goa’s tourism narrative, ensuring a sustainable future for both our community and visitors,” he said.
During the event, several Yuva Tourism Clubs were recognized for their contributions. Dnyanprassarak Vidyalaya was honored as the first school to establish a Yuva Tourism Club, while Goa College of Home Science in Campal, Panaji, was acknowledged as the first college to launch one. Bal Bharati Vidyamandir, Ribandar, was commended for its impressive dance and music performances during the meet. Institutions such as IITTM and IHM were also recognized for their active involvement.
A notable highlight of the event was a talk titled “The Future of Tourism in Goa: Balancing Development and Sustainability,” led by Professor Ravindra Dogra of IITTM. Additionally, the Chief Minister and the Tourism Minister unveiled several key initiatives, including the Yuva Tourism website, the Yuva Tourism Handbook, and the State-level Tourism Ambassador Program (beginner and advanced), aimed at increasing youth engagement in tourism.
Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager of GTDC, expressed his gratitude to all participants, delivering a vote of thanks. The event concluded with the screening of a video showcasing Goa’s essence, and students received branded t-shirts and caps as souvenirs.
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