Goa Tourism bags award for ‘Spiritual Tourism Initiative’ at TTF Hyderabad 2025

Mumbai, September 22, 2025: Goa Tourism was honoured with the award for Spiritual Tourism Initiative at the Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) Hyderabad 2025, held at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre on 19th and 20th September. 

The award was presented by Shri Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary for Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture, Government of Telangana, and received on behalf of Goa Tourism by Shri Jayesh Kankonkar, Assistant Director, Department of Tourism; Shri Vishesh G. Naik, Senior Manager, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC); and Shri Sachin Gad, IA, Department of Tourism.

During the two-day event, the Goa Tourism delegation led by Shri Jayesh Kankonkar, Assistant Director, Department of Tourism engaged extensively with visitors alongside Goan co-exhibitors, showcasing the state’s multifaceted tourism landscape.

Key dignitaries including Shri Jupally Krishna Rao, Hon’ble Minister for Prohibition & Excise, Tourism, Culture & Archaeology, Government of Telangana, along with Smt Valluru Kranthi, IAS, Director, Telangana Tourism & Managing Director, Telangana Tourism Development Corporation Limited, also visited the Goa pavilion. The dignitaries interacted with officials and lauded Goa’s diverse tourism offerings, highlighting the unique experiences the state provides across culture, heritage, adventure, spiritual experiences and wellness.

Speaking about the participation, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, said: “Goa continues to welcome tourists with an unmatched combination of culture, heritage, adventure, and wellness experiences. Winning the Award for Spiritual Tourism Initiative at TTF Hyderabad is a proud moment, reflecting our efforts to create authentic and meaningful experiences for travellers. Spiritual tourism is a key pillar of Goa’s broader tourism vision, and this recognition motivates us to further develop sustainable, community-focused initiatives that benefit both visitors and local communities. Our aim is to ensure that every traveller leaves with a deeper connection to Goa’s culture, traditions, and natural beauty.”

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, added:  “The interactions at TTF Hyderabad 2025 have been highly encouraging. Visitors and industry stakeholders showed great interest in Goa’s tourism offerings, and the engagement with Telangana’s dignitaries highlights the importance of collaborative promotion of tourism across states.”

The event concluded with productive engagements, reinforcing Goa’s position as a premier destination for both domestic and international travellers, and reaffirming the state’s commitment to sustainable and regenerative tourism development.