Preserving history and culture: Goa government launches new model of 'regenerative tourism'
The Government of Goa has launched a "regenerative tourism" model that aims to promote environmental restoration, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. The launch of the model comes after a meeting of the G20 Tourism Ministers' Working Group in June 2023, which developed Goa's roadmap for tourism as a way to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
"With the launch of Ekadasha Teertha, we are giving Indian tourism a new look with a focus on spirituality, indigenousness, cultural and civilizational nationalism and conscious tourism," said Rohan Khante, Goa's tourism minister, at a press conference on Wednesday. - "Our aim in introducing this model is to encourage the travel and tourism sector to adopt sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the people," writes the Financial Express.
The launch of the model is crucial as the Goan government seeks to increase the number of foreign and domestic tourists in the state. The tourism industry contributes about 16.5% of the state's GDP and employs about 33% of its population.
The Goa government has rolled out the "Ekadasha Teertha" campaign in the regions of eleven places of worship in Goa. By engaging local communities in learning, understanding and designing their culture, cuisine and lifestyle, Goa's tourism aims to harness the commercial and economic potential of its own history and heritage.
As part of this initiative, the government is exploring the possibility of establishing coworking spaces on beaches and in historic sites, combining workspaces with the state's unique geographical and historical attractions.
