On the occasion of World Tourism Day, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, organized an exceptional event that brought together over 1000 students from educational institutions across the state. The Yuva Tourism Clubs Meet, held at Darbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Dona Paula on September 26, 2024, marked one of the largest gatherings of youth in Goa, with a focus on regenerative tourism, cultural heritage, and the future role of the youth in shaping Goa’s tourism landscape.
This landmark event underscored the Government’s commitment to involving the younger generation in Goa’s tourism sector, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable tourism practices and cultural preservation. The event saw the attendance of several esteemed dignitaries, including Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Secretary of Tourism Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, and Director of Tourism Shri Suneel Anchipaka, among others.
The Role of Youth in Shaping Goa’s Tourism Future
During the event, Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of the state, highlighting the state’s substantial tourism potential said, “Yuva Clubs will play a crucial role in integrating Goan manpower into the hospitality sector. Collective efforts are essential from the youth of Goa to promote new avenues of tourism, including sustainable, wellness, adventure, and spiritual tourism. We need young ambassadors to advocate for Goa and establish it as a premier destination for responsible and meaningful travel experiences, ultimately aiming to create a lasting legacy for future generations.”
The Chief Minister further emphasized that “Youth will have numerous job opportunities in the tourism sector in the coming years. The Yuva Tourism Club serves as a valuable platform for school and college students and for the youth entirely, which will provide them avenues for skilling, reskilling, and upskilling to prepare them for the different opportunities available in the tourism sector.” He also urged students to aspire for greater achievements and to embrace their potential in contributing to the future of tourism in Goa, the Chief Minister said.
Minister for Tourism: Youth as Global Ambassadors
Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, emphasized the vital role of youth in shaping the future of tourism. “The Yuva Tourism Club draws inspiration from the Prime Minister’s vision of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which means “the world is one family.” This ethos promotes unity and peace through tourism. As India’s tourism landscape evolves, it presents a golden opportunity for everyone to become global ambassadors.
The Minister further said, “We are delighted that more than a thousand students are part of the Yuva Tourism Club in Goa. The Minister encouraged the young audience to embrace their potential as ambassadors of change, emphasizing that their involvement today will pave the way for a more vibrant and sustainable tourism landscape tomorrow.”
The Minister also gave a brief account of the activities organized by the Department in celebration of World Tourism Day, highlighting key initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable tourism. Additionally, he engaged the young generation, introducing them to the innovative concepts of tourism, which focus on transforming travel through new approaches such as regenerative tourism, the promotion of Ekadasha Teertha, and showcasing Goa beyond its beaches.
Goa’s Commitment to Regenerative Tourism
Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director of Tourism and Managing Director of GTDC in his welcome address highlighted the initiative’s significance. He noted, “Goa is proud to be India’s first state to implement regenerative tourism, focusing on environmental restoration, community empowerment, and cultural preservation. This model encourages mutual respect between tourists and locals while promoting eco-friendly initiatives. In celebration of World Tourism Day, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, has organized the Yuva Tourism Club Meet to honour the contributions of over 150 plus clubs
across our state. Aligned with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s initiative for India@75, these clubs engage our youth in responsible tourism and cultural immersion.In 2023, there were approximately 30 Yuva Tourism Clubs, and by 2024, this number has expanded to over 150 plus clubs throughout Goa. Our commitment to diverse tourism—from hinterland to spiritual experiences—positions Goa as a leader in conscious travel. Through strong partnerships with local schools and colleges, we are empowering our youth to shape Goa’s tourism narrative, ensuring a sustainable future for both our community and
visitors.”
Recognizing Excellence in Youth Tourism Initiatives
Several schools and colleges were recognized for their outstanding contributions during the Yuva Tourism Clubs Meet. Among the honorees was Dnyanprassarak Vidyalaya, which was celebrated as the first school to establish a Yuva Tourism Club. Additionally, Goa College of Home Science in Campal, Panaji, was acknowledged as the first college to launch a Yuva Tourism Club. The Bal Bharati Vidyamandir, Ribandar, received special mention for its exceptional dance and music performances during the event.
Institutions such as IITTM and IHM were also commended for their active participation in Yuva Tourism Clubs’ activities, further demonstrating the growing impact of this initiative.
Unveiling of Key Initiatives for Youth Engagement
During the event, several significant initiatives were unveiled by the Hon’ble Chief Minister and Hon’ble Minister for Tourism. These included the launch of the Yuva Tourism website, the Yuva Tourism Handbook, and the State Level Tourism Ambassador Program (Beginner and Advanced levels). These programs are designed to enhance youth engagement in Goa’s tourism industry, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to serve as tourism ambassadors.
The State-Level Tourism Ambassador Program will provide specialized training to participants, enabling them to become advocates for responsible tourism and promoting Goa’s diverse tourism offerings on both the national and international stages.
Inspiring a New Generation of Tourism Leaders
The Yuva Tourism Clubs initiative has grown to involve over 150 schools and colleges across Goa, actively engaging students in a wide array of tourism-related activities throughout the year. These clubs play a crucial role in cultivating leadership skills among youth, fostering a sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation and the preservation of local traditions.
As Goa continues to evolve as a premier destination for sustainable tourism, the Department of Tourism is committed to nurturing the next generation of tourism leaders. By fostering greater youth involvement in initiatives like the Yuva Tourism Clubs, Goa ensures that its tourism industry remains vibrant, sustainable, and aligned with the values of conscious travel.
Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Tourism Future
The success of the Yuva Tourism Clubs Meet is a testament to the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa’s dedication to involving youth in the future of the state’s tourism industry. With over 1000 students in attendance, the event served as an inspiring platform for exploring the vital role of youth in promoting sustainable tourism, preserving cultural heritage, and driving new tourism innovations.
As Goa continues to position itself as a leader in responsible tourism, the involvement of young ambassadors will be critical in shaping the future of travel and tourism in the state. Through initiatives like the Yuva Tourism Clubs, Goa’s youth are empowered to contribute meaningfully to a tourism industry that values both people and the planet.
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