Panaji: Goa on Thursday proposed a collaboration with Gujarat to promote cultural and spiritual tourism, even as the coastal state showcased its diverse tourism offerings at the Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) Ahmedabad 2026.
The proposal was discussed during interactions between Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Goa Pavilion at the three-day travel exhibition.
According to a statement issued by the Goa Tourism Department, the two states explored the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote cultural and spiritual tourism exchanges aimed at strengthening tourism ties and encouraging greater movement of visitors between Goa and Gujarat.
The Goa Pavilion was inaugurated by Bhupendra Patel in the presence of Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Uttarakhand Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj, Rohan Khaunte, and senior officials.
The Tourism Department said the Goa Pavilion attracted strong interest from tour operators, destination wedding planners, MICE organisers, and other travel industry stakeholders on the opening day of the exhibition.
The pavilion showcased Goa’s tourism offerings, including destination weddings, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), spiritual tourism, wellness, culinary experiences, adventure tourism, hinterland circuits, and regenerative tourism.
Speaking on the occasion, Khaunte said Gujarat continues to be one of Goa’s key domestic source markets.
“We are grateful to the people of Gujarat for their continued love and trust in Goa as one of their preferred travel destinations. Gujarat remains a key source market for us, and TTF Ahmedabad provides an important platform to strengthen partnerships with the travel trade while exploring new avenues of collaboration, including cultural and spiritual tourism,” he said.
The minister said Goa is now promoting experiences beyond its beaches, including destination weddings, the recently launched Ekadasha Teertha Yatra spiritual circuit, hinterland tourism, and community-led tourism initiatives.
Khaunte also stressed the need for enhanced air connectivity between Gujarat and Goa, saying it would help unlock greater tourism potential and create wider economic opportunities for both states.
The Tourism Department said Goa’s participation at TTF Ahmedabad is part of its strategy to diversify tourism offerings, encourage longer visitor stays, strengthen interstate collaborations, and promote sustainable tourism.
