Strong Middle East Focus as Goa Highlights Cultural, Wellness, and Community-Based Offerings
Goa Tourism’s participation at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 28th April to 1st May 2025, drew strong attention on the first day.
Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Government of India, along with Mr. Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India, Dubai, inaugurated the Goa Pavilion in the presence of Mr.Rohan A Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Mr. Ganesh Gaonkar, MLA Sanvordem and Chairman GTDC, Mr. Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director GTDC, Mr. Shawn Mendes, OSD to Tourism Minister, Mr. Laxmikant Vaigankar, GM Administration and Ms..Lodovina Quadros, Assistant Tourist Officer, along with Goan co-exhibitors and other esteemed guests. Goa Tourism highlighted its vision of moving beyond conventional beach tourism to promote the state’s cultural, ecological, and spiritual wealth.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, said, “Goa has long been known for its sun, sand, and sea — a perception that once limited how people viewed the state as a tourism destination. Pre-COVID, tourists often saw Goa as a one-dimensional getaway. However, post-COVID, we’ve realised that Goa holds immense untapped potential. Tourists today want more than a single experience; they want diversity, and Goa offers just that. By diversifying our offerings, we’ve been able to increase the average length of stay, showcasing Goa’s monsoons, hinterlands, culinary richness, heritage, and culture. These post-pandemic learnings have led us to target new, high-value markets like the UAE, which is a strategic region for us. Monsoons in Goa, from June to September, offer a lush, soulful experience — one filled with mystique, flavour, and charm that resonates with travellers from the Middle East.
At the Arabian Travel Market 2025, we highlight Goa as a year-round destination. Today, Goa speaks not only of beaches but of adventure, wellness, weddings, hinterland experiences, and most importantly, regenerative tourism. While the world talks about sustainability, Goa has taken it a step further by being the first state in India to actively pursue Regenerative Tourism based on the pillars of Culture, Economy, and Environment. We want tourism to benefit every Goan, especially those at the grassroots, ensuring inclusivity and shared prosperity. We’re also amplifying digital outreach to the UAE through influencer collaborations, social media, and targeted campaigns. Trade shows like ATM help us engage in important B2B dialogues that can’t happen online. We’ve already hosted influencers from countries like Uzbekistan, and we plan similar engagements for the UAE market. Such initiatives create authentic content, expand our narrative, and reposition Goa as a culturally rich, emotionally resonant destination. Goa is ready to welcome the curious traveller — those who want to relive iconic Bollywood memories, those who seek culinary exploration, and those who want to reconnect with nature and tradition. To our friends from the UAE and across the GCC countries — come, experience the Goa that lives in our villages, thrives in our culture, and breathes through our people. Come once, and you will always want to return. As we say — Atithi Devo Bhava — the guest is God, and in Goa, we welcome you as family.”
Mr. Sanjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the United Arab Emirates and Dr. Aman Puri, Consul General of India in Dubai, appreciated the efforts of the state in encouraging Regenerative Tourism and ensuring that sustainable tourism remains central to its vision witch will further result in ensuring more UAE tourists visit the state and experience its offbeat locations, adventure tourism and much more.
A key highlight of Goa’s showcase at ATM Dubai 2025 is its strong emphasis on expanding air connectivity. With direct flights between Goa and Dubai, and the dual operation of Goa International Airport (Dabolim) and Manohar International Airport (Mopa), Goa is now more accessible than ever to Gulf travellers.
Goa Tourism also promotes its pioneering Regenerative Tourism approach, encouraging visitors to contribute positively to local communities, culture, and the environment. From heritage walks and organic farm experiences to backwater explorations and artisanal markets, Goa offers travellers authentic and enriching experiences beyond the conventional.
Goa’s participation at ATM Dubai 2025 is further strengthened by a distinguished lineup of co-exhibitors, representing the diverse and dynamic tourism ecosystem of the state with M/s Concord Exotic Voyages (Mr. Sheik Ismail , Sr. Vice President), SpeedBird Travels, (Mr. Xavier Peres, Director), Shining Sand Beach Resort (Mr. Kapil Singhal, Director and Mr. Narayan D Chodankar, Manager), DSK Holidays, (Mr. Amitesh Pandey , Owner and Ms. Nafisa Sheik ,Manager), Travel Unlimited, (Mr. Mansoor Ali, CEO), Spice Route, (Ms. Sonia Rodrigues, Manager – Business Development & Operations), Travel Smith, (Deepak Lotilkar, Director) Freedom Holidays, (Mr. Martin Joseph Thypodath ,Managing Director, and Mr. Bency George ,Director, Business Development), Flying Fish Diving, (Mr. Amitabh Gautam), Konkan Explorers Goa, (Mrs. Poonam Ribo, (Director) and Ms. Glefi Fernandes, La Passage, (Mr. Nahush Bargi and Mr. Sidh Nath Rai), The Lalit Golf & Spa Resort, Goa, (Ms. Shalini Tewari, General Manager) The Astor Goa (A Unit of Archer Hospitality Pvt. Ltd.), represented by Mr. Vaibhav Gupta, General Manager, and ADAMO THE BELLUS, represented by Mr. Hanumant Naik, General Manager, Goa.
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