Goa’s heritage is a treasure trove that deserves global recognition, said state Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte in an exclusive interaction with THE WEEK.
“While our pristine beaches have long been the hallmark of Goa’s tourism industry, we are now embracing a broader vision—one that celebrates our history, traditions, and architectural marvels. Through strategic interventions and policy-driven initiatives, the Department of Tourism in Goa is actively working towards revitalising heritage tourism, ensuring that our legacy is not just preserved but thrives as a living experience for visitors,” Khaunte said.
He added that Goa is proud to be the first state in India to adopt a Regenerative Tourism (RT) model, going beyond conventional sustainable tourism. “While sustainable tourism focuses on minimising harm, Regenerative Tourism is about actively restoring, rejuvenating, and enhancing our cultural and natural heritage churches and mosques. Additionally, the Ekadasha Teertha circuit highlights 11 sacred temples to promote spiritual tourism and attract spiritual travellers, which collectively reflect Goa’s multicultural legacy.”
The “Goa Beyond Beaches” initiative by Goa Tourism is a key pillar of this vision as it is encouraging tourists to explore the state’s hinterlands, heritage sites, spiritual circuits, local festivals, and indigenous art forms, he said. This approach is not only diversifying Goa’s tourism offerings but also ensuring community participation, economic empowerment, and environmental restoration, making tourism more meaningful and impactful. With this initiative, Goa Tourism is aiming to restore and enhance heritage sites through conservation and adaptive reuse, promote community-based tourism where locals become custodians of their heritage and encourage experiential tourism with immersive storytelling, digital innovations, and guided heritage trails.
Goa Tourism is also strengthening Goa’s position as a premier heritage destination with upcoming projects like the Porvorim Town Square which will serve as a cultural and heritage hub, bringing together art, history, and local traditions. Envisioned as a vibrant cultural and recreational hub, this project will include: a dedicated cultural zone featuring art installations, heritage storytelling, and live performances. Food shacks along the Torda Creek and Ekoshe Road, offering a fusion of Goan and global flavours. Open-air spaces for interactive heritage experiences, local craft, and community-led tourism activities. All are developed under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0, ensuring the integration of heritage, nature, and tourism infrastructure.
It will also promote the Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum as Goa shares a historic connection with Shivaji Bhosale, and this digital museum will bring his legacy to life. A first-of-its-kind initiative, this museum aims to bring the life and legacy of Shivaji. The museum will feature an Augmented Reality (AR) room that recreates key historical moments from Shivaji’s life. Holograms and Virtual Reality (VR) displays will provide an immersive understanding of his battles, leadership, and strategies. It will also have a 5D Theatre offering a cinematic experience of Shivaji’s conquests and naval prowess. There are interactive exhibits too showcasing Maratha history through digital storytelling, engaging both young learners and history enthusiasts.
