- The Government of Goa Department of Tourism organized an Awareness and Training Programme for the Homestay and Bed & Breakfast (B&B) Scheme
- The programme was intended to instruct homestay owners who already exist and those aspiring to own one on how to establish, run, and maximize the scheme
The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, recently conducted an Awareness and Training Programme on the Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme at Novotel Goa Panaji.
The program was created for existing and prospective homestay operators, with a special focus on motivating women to take part and succeed as entrepreneurs in Goa's tourism industry.
The ceremony began with a lamp-lighting ceremony and bouquet exchange with the dignitaries. Guests present were Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte; Director of Tourism, Kedar Naik; GTDC Managing Director, Kuldeep Arolkar; Director of IT Department, Kabir Shirgaonkar; Asmita Joshi, Public Policy Head (India), Airbnb; and Tejas Raval, Senior Coordinator, SEWA.
Speaking in his address, Minister Rohan reaffirmed the government's focus on developing tourism outside the beaches of Goa and providing livelihood opportunities in the rural sector.
"Women are the pillars of every household and society, and the Homestay Scheme is a step in their empowerment," he said, declaring that 100 women will be given grants worth ₹2 lakh each to operate homestays.
He also highlighted other programmes like Ekadasha Teertha under the "Goa Beyond Beaches" campaign and stressed the focus on Goa's cuisine as an attraction. The scheme, he went on to say, would later be extended to cities too.
Tourism Director Kedar Naik emphasized that the department is not just meant to promote destinations but to also help make Goa's economy stronger by providing tourists with genuine experiences of local culture, hinterlands, and heritage.
He pointed out that enabling rural women to construct homestay infrastructure would sharply increase tourism.
During the felicitation ceremony, homestay entrepreneurs Sonia Roy Saldanha (Cozy Homes, Ponda) and Janki Rama Samkar (Jungle Trails, Tambdi Surla) were felicitated for their work.
The Homestay and B&B Scheme seeks to develop livelihood opportunities in a sustainable manner by facilitating locals, especially women, in transforming portions of their homes into guest accommodation.
Combining Goa's conventional hospitality, cultural diversity, and green practices, the scheme will not just create revenue but also empower women, help conserve traditions, and present real Goan living to tourists.
The programme was compered by Deepak Narvekar, Dy. General Manager and PRO, GTDC, who set the tone for a warm and energetic ambience.
The programme ended on a Vote of Thanks given by Deputy Director Diksha Namdev Tari, who thanked dignitaries, associates, participants, and the event organization team for their contribution in making the event a success.
