Varanasi: Goa is looking to redefine its tourism identity beyond its world-famous beaches by promoting its spiritual, cultural and heritage attractions, tourism minister Rohan A.Khaunte said in Varanasi. Calling for a shift towards more meaningful travel experiences, he said the state wants visitors to discover Goa’s temples, churches, heritage sites, traditions and cultural legacy alongside its coastline.An event was organised in Varanasi on Friday to explore new opportunities for promoting Goa’s lesser-known tourism offerings and to encourage greater exchange of ideas between Goa and Varanasi, particularly in the areas of spiritual and cultural tourism.Khaunte said Goa is ready to broaden its image from beaches to spirituality, from lifestyle to culture, and from leisure to meaningful experiences. “Discover Goa Beyond the Beaches — Experience Its Spirituality, Culture and Heritage,” Khaunte said while speaking to reporters.He said that while Goa is globally known for its scenic beaches, vibrant lifestyle and leisure tourism, the state also possesses a rich spiritual and cultural legacy. Ancient temples, churches, heritage sites, traditions, local art forms and a unique cultural landscape form an integral part of Goa’s identity, he added.Khaunte said this lesser-known facet of Goa deserves greater prominence on the global tourism map. The choice of Varanasi for the event was significant, given its standing as one of the world’s foremost spiritual destinations. Officials said Varanasi’s successful spiritual tourism model offers valuable insights for Goa as it seeks to develop distinctive spiritual and cultural tourism experiences.Khaunte said Goa’s tourism strategy should encourage visitors to explore its spiritual traditions, cultural heritage and historical landmarks alongside its coastline. This, he said, would allow travellers to experience the “soul of Goa” and discover dimensions of the state that remain relatively unexplored, particularly by international visitors.He also stressed that tourism development must go hand in hand with the preservation of local traditions, heritage and community participation. Empowering local communities and promoting authentic cultural experiences, he said, would make Goa’s tourism more meaningful, sustainable and globally distinctive.
