The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, recently hosted an Awareness and Training Programme on the Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme at Novotel Goa Panaji. The initiative was tailored for current and aspiring homestay owners, with a special emphasis on encouraging women to step into entrepreneurship and play a leading role in Goa tourism sector.

The event began with a lamp lighting ceremony and an exchange of flower bouquets with dignitaries. Among those present were Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Rohan A. Khaunte; Director of Tourism, Kedar Naik; Managing Director, GTDC, Kuldeep Arolkar; Director of Information and Technology, Kabir Shirgaonkar; Asmita Joshi, Public Policy Head India at Airbnb; and Tejas Raval, Senior Coordinator of the Self Employed Woman Association (SEWA).

Speaking at the event, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Rohan A. Khaunte stressed the government’s vision to promote Goa tourism beyond the beaches and create new opportunities in rural areas. He stated:

“Tourism is vital for Goa, and while our coastal areas have long been connected with it, many in our villages—especially women—have not had the same exposure. Women are the backbone of every home and society, and the Homestay Scheme is a step towards empowering them, with 100 women receiving grants of ₹2 lakh each to start their own homestays. We began our ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’ journey with Ekadasha Teertha to showcase the beauty of our villages, and now we are extending it with this scheme. Goa’s unmatched culinary heritage, with its unique homemade flavours, is a magnet for tourists, and women, as ambassadors of tourism, can help make Goa the culinary capital of India.”

The minister also confirmed that the scheme will gradually extend to urban areas.

Tourism Director Kedar Naik added that Goa Tourism’s mission goes beyond destination promotion, aiming instead to enhance the state’s economy by providing tourists with authentic cultural and rural experiences. A central focus, he noted, is to empower women in villages to build infrastructure that strengthens local tourism.

Deputy Director of Tourism, Diksha Namdev Tari, delivered an overview of the scheme. Presentations were also shared by partners such as Airbnb, SEWA, and the IT Department, offering insights on marketing, digital tools, and day-to-day operations. In addition, Smt. Meeta Parmar, who has successfully run Meetaben’s Homestay in Gujarat for the past 25 years, shared her journey with participants.

During the felicitation ceremony, recognition was given to Jungle Trails owner Janki Rama Samkar from Tambdi Surla and Cozy Homes owner Sonia Roy Saldanha from Ponda for their contributions.

The Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme is designed to give locals—particularly women in the hinterlands—sustainable livelihood options by converting parts of their homes into accommodations for visitors. The scheme focuses on talukas such as Sattari, Dharbandora, Sanguem, Bicholim, Ponda, Quepem, and Canacona, bringing tourism into villages known for their heritage, culture, and natural landscapes.

By leveraging Goa’s culinary heritage, scenic environment, and traditional hospitality, the initiative aims to not only provide an additional income stream but also encourage women to become self-reliant, preserve cultural traditions, and offer travellers a genuine taste of Goan life.

The programme concluded on a warm note, with Deepak Narvekar, PRO and Deputy General Manager, GTDC, compering the event, followed by a heartfelt Vote of Thanks from Smt. Diksha Namdev Tari, who expressed appreciation to the dignitaries, partners, and participants for their contributions to the programme’s success.