Goa and Madhya Pradesh forge tourism partnership to boost heritage, wildlife and cultural experiences

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, has held a strategic meeting with a senior official from the Government of Madhya Pradesh to explore collaborative opportunities in tourism, focusing on heritage, wildlife, and cultural experiences.

The meeting aimed to establish greater synergy between the two States, promoting two-way tourism that encourages travellers from Madhya Pradesh to discover Goa’s diverse offerings beyond its beaches, while also inspiring Goan visitors to explore Madhya Pradesh’s rich heritage and wildlife destinations.

The discussions were attended by Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa; Shri Gavin Dias, General Manager (Hotels & Marketing), GTDC; and Shri Jack Sukhija, President of TTAG. Representing the Government of Madhya Pradesh was Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, IAS, Principal Secretary, Culture, Tourism & Public Relations.

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Speaking about the partnership, tourism minister  Rohan Khaunte, said: “This partnership strengthens our efforts to promote tourism that goes beyond beaches, giving travellers deeper access to heritage and cultural narratives. Madhya Pradesh and Goa share a complementary tourism profile that can benefit both regions through collaborative circuits, knowledge sharing, and enhanced visitor experiences. Together, we aim to support tourism that is meaningful, responsible, and driven by community participation.”

The talks centred on developing integrated tourism circuits and joint promotional initiatives that highlight each State’s unique cultural and ecological assets.

Highlighting the outcomes of the meeting, Director of Tourism, Kedar Naik, stated: “The exchange of ideas with the Government of Madhya Pradesh has opened avenues for joint product development in heritage and cultural tourism. We are keen to build curated experiences that encourage visitors to explore the richness of both States. We appreciate Madhya Pradesh’s invitation and look forward to continuing this positive engagement.”

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As part of the next steps, the Government of Madhya Pradesh has invited the Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, along with tourism trade stakeholders, to visit Madhya Pradesh in the coming quarter for further exchanges and planning. In return, Goa is working on plans to host Madhya Pradesh’s tourism delegation to strengthen ties and share best practices in destination management, marketing, and cultural programming.

The collaboration is expected to enhance cultural appreciation, expand domestic travel networks, and create mutually beneficial growth for both States. It also aligns with India’s broader tourism goals to promote sustainable, community-driven tourism and showcase the diverse heritage and natural wealth across the country.