Goa, a popular tourist destination in India, has launched a new model of regenerative tourism, becoming the first state in the country to do so. Regenerative tourism is an innovative approach that aims to redefine travel by promoting environmental restoration, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.
Ekadasha Teertha: A Spiritual Journey
The model of regenerative tourism revolves around eleven spiritual sites or the Ekadasha Teertha, which are ancient temples located across the state. These sites offer travellers an opportunity to explore the rich heritage, culture, and cuisine of Goa, while also involving the local communities, especially women and youth, in showcasing their lifestyle and history. The tourism department plans to develop community-based tourism centres around these temples over the next 36 months as part of the initiative.
A Necessity, Not a Luxury
The launch of the model follows the G20 tourism ministers working group meet in June 2023, that came up with the Goa road map for tourism as a method for achieving the sustainable development goals. Rohan Khaunte, Minister of Tourism, Goa, said that regenerative tourism is not a luxury but a necessity, as it aligns the travel experiences with the imperative to conserve and regenerate the planet and societies. He said that Goa aims to harness the commercial and economic potential of its own history and heritage through this model.
A Paradigm Shift
Regenerative tourism is a paradigm shift from the conventional tourism practices that often strain the ecosystems and local communities. It is a holistic vision that recognizes the interconnectedness of nature, culture, and people, and creates a virtuous cycle of sustainable development. By adopting regenerative practices, travellers can breathe life into landscapes, revive cultural heritage, empower local economies, and foster a deeper connection between themselves and the places they visit. Goa has witnessed a steady growth in tourist arrivals after the Covid-19 pandemic, with over 49 lakh domestic and 0.95 lakh foreign tourists visiting the state till September 2022. The state hopes to attract more conscious and responsible travellers through its regenerative tourism model.