Goa, India’s sunshine state, is once again taking centre stage at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London — one of the world’s most influential tourism events.
The three-day fair, held at ExCeL London from November 4 to 6, brings together global tourism professionals, with Goa proudly represented by a delegation led by the state’s Minister for Tourism, Rohan Khaunte.
Speaking at the event, Minister Khaunte said Goa continues to redefine its tourism identity beyond its famed beaches. “If somebody wants to know what paradise is, you can see it and feel it in Goa,” he said. “It’s not only about the sun, sand and sea — people talk about Goa being beaches, but it’s so much more than that. There’s a lot to explore, from wellness to heritage, and from culinary experiences to culture.”
Highlighting Goa’s growing reputation as a gastronomic destination, Khaunte described the state as “quite informally the food capital of the country,” pointing to its unique blend of Indian and Portuguese influences. “The generation that travels today looks at culinary experiences differently,” he said. “So there’s something for everyone — from heritage and culture to cuisine that tells a story.”
Goa’s distinctive Indo-Portuguese heritage remains at the heart of its charm. “We come from the Indo-Portuguese culture, so as we talk about churches, we also talk about temples which are more than 1,000 years old,” the minister explained. “We have a story which has never been fully unfolded, and post-COVID, we realised the need to speak more about who we are — our culture, our traditions, and the deep bond Goans share with them.”
Khaunte emphasised that tourism in Goa is entering a new era focused on value over volume. “Post-COVID, we realised that we couldn’t just sit back and keep the same story of sand, sun and sea,” he said. “Through platforms like WTM and with support from the Prime Minister’s initiatives, we are building a new story. Today, it’s not about how many people visit — it’s about the value they bring and the experiences they take back.”
With its mix of ancient heritage, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, Khaunte believes Goa offers something no other destination can replicate. “In Goa, it’s everything you feel — from the hospitality to the place itself. The Goan and the culture are inseparable, and that’s what makes us truly special,” he said.
As Goa positions itself on the global tourism map with renewed purpose, the state’s message at WTM is clear: visitors are invited not just to see Goa, but to feel it.
