{"id":110268,"date":"2026-03-05T18:35:07","date_gmt":"2026-03-05T13:05:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goakhabar.com\/?p=110268"},"modified":"2026-03-05T18:35:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T13:05:07","slug":"global-accolades-mark-goas-presence-at-itb-berlin-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goakhabar.com\/?p=110268","title":{"rendered":"Global Accolades mark Goa\u2019s presence at ITB Berlin 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Goa Khabar : Goa Tourism marked a significant milestone on the global tourism stage during its participation at the prestigious ITB Berlin, where the Goa Tourism Pavilion was inaugurated by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon\u2019ble Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, in the presence of Ajit Gupte, Ambassador of India to Germany, and Ms. Bharti K. Sharma, Deputy Director General, Marketing Promotion &amp; International Cooperation Division, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Representing Goa Tourism were Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), Rajendra Tari, Information Assistant, along with co-exhibitor Deepak Lotlikar of Travel Smith and Mahesh Patil and Smita Patil, Director and Founder, Ms NV Eco Agro Tourism Pvt. Ltd., were also present alongside other dignitaries and international delegates.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Receiving the recognition, the Hon\u2019ble Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte stated, \u201cThis recognition belongs to the people of Goa. Tourism in Goa is not just about destinations; it is about our communities, culture and environment. Our vision is to build a tourism model that is regenerative, inclusive and sustainable while ensuring that tourism benefits every Goan.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A proud highlight was the global recognition received by Goa and its leadership at the prestigious PATWA International Travel Awards organised by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association on the sidelines of ITB Berlin. Hon\u2019ble Minister for Tourism, IT, Electronics &amp; Communications, and Printing &amp; Stationery, Rohan Khaunte, was conferred the \u201cTourism Minister of the Year \u2013 Innovation (Asia)\u201d award in recognition of his transformative leadership and forward-looking initiatives that are reshaping Goa\u2019s tourism landscape.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, Goa was honoured with the \u201cDestination of the Year \u2013 Rejuvenation\u201d award, acknowledging the state\u2019s successful efforts to reposition itself through sustainable, regenerative and experience-driven tourism. The recognition highlights Goa\u2019s ongoing transition from a traditional beach destination to a diverse global tourism hub anchored in culture, spirituality, nature, adventure, wellness and community participation.<\/p>\n<p>Under the leadership of Hon\u2019ble Minister Rohan Khaunte, Goa Tourism has been advancing several pioneering initiatives aligned with the vision of \u201cGoa Beyond Beaches\u201d and the principles of Regenerative Tourism, focusing on the three pillars of People, Economy and Environment. Key initiatives include the promotion of hinterland and spiritual tourism circuits, empowerment of local communities through homestays and women-led enterprises, the development of culture-driven festivals and experiential tourism offerings, strengthening international connectivity and partnerships, and the promotion of responsible and sustainable tourism practices.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking on the occasion, the Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, stated \u201cThe recognition at ITB Berlin is a reflection of Goa\u2019s evolving tourism vision. Our efforts are focused on creating meaningful and immersive travel experiences that celebrate Goa\u2019s heritage, communities and natural ecosystems while ensuring sustainable growth for the sector.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager, GTDC, added \u201cThe response at ITB Berlin has been extremely encouraging. There is significant interest from European markets in Goa\u2019s experiential offerings, including cultural tourism, hinterland experiences, eco-tourism and MICE travel. Platforms like ITB allow us to deepen engagement with global partners and showcase the new dimensions of Goa tourism.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Further strengthening tourism diplomacy, the Embassy of India, Berlin hosted an \u201cIncredible India Night\u201d, bringing together prominent tour operators, travel trade members and dignitaries from across Germany. The Hon\u2019ble Union Minister and the Hon\u2019ble Ambassador attended the evening, where Goa Tourism representatives actively engaged with leading members of the German travel trade fraternity. Ambassador of India to Germany, Ajit Gupte encouraged German travel trade partners to visit the beautiful state of Goa and promote the destination to their guests as part of a broader India travel experience.<\/p>\n<p>The recognition at ITB Berlin 2026, one of the most influential platforms in global tourism, further strengthens Goa\u2019s position as one of the most dynamic and forward-looking tourism destinations in the world, reaffirming the state\u2019s commitment to responsible, regenerative and globally connected tourism growth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Goa Khabar : Goa Tourism marked a significant milestone on the global tourism stage during its participation at the prestigious ITB Berlin, where the Goa Tourism Pavilion was inaugurated by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon\u2019ble Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, in the presence of Ajit Gupte, Ambassador of India to Germany, and Ms. Bharti K. 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