As part of the World Tourism Day 2025 celebrations, the Indian Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Goa, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) and SKAL International Goa, organised two vibrant culinary events on 22nd and 23rd September, highlighting Goa’s food and beverage talent.

On September 22nd, the spotlight was on Susegad Spirits – a beverage craft competition for hoteliers in Goa, where eight teams from leading hotels showcased their creativity, precision, and presentation skills through innovative beverages and mixology techniques.
 
The judges for the competition were Shri Clement Desylva, co-founder of Aani E; Shri Pranav Dhuri from Petisco Kitchen and Bar; and Shri Mark Ursula D’Souza of Ticana. Following an exciting competition that highlighted beverage crafting and mixology skills, the judges awarded the first prize to Shri Soham Tiwari from Taj Vivanta. In contrast, the second prize went to Anish Naik from La Estoria, and the third prize to Kirtan Tamang from Taj Heritage.

The following day, September 23rd, the IHM campus hosted the All-Goa Culinary Competition, titled Goencho Swaad, which brought together homemakers and students to showcase their culinary skills. Smt. Samiksha Gauda and Smt. Durva Parab from the Mai Institute of Hotel Management won the first prize in the student category. The second prize went to Smt. Tiya Pai Lotlikar and Smt. Chaitanya Arolkar from IHM Goa, while Shri Ashish Sharma and Shri A. Ayyangalai from Gusto secured the third prize. In the homemaker category, Smt Prashanti Sawant and Shri Prakash Sawant emerged as winners, followed by Smt Razia Begum in second place, and Smt Riha Malik with Smt Bina Vernekar in third place. The judging panel featured Shri Gaurish Naik, Owner of Peep’s Kitchen, Chef Elridge Colaco from Taj, and Ms Liza Dias, Head of Department – Food & Beverage at IHM Goa.

Speaking about the event, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte said:  “Goa’s culinary heritage is one of its greatest strengths. It reflects our traditions, our people, and our way of life. These competitions encourage creativity and innovation among students, homemakers, and professionals.  Provide a platform to showcase talent and help position Goa as a culinary hub, where food becomes a defining part of the tourism experience.”

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added: “By involving students and young chefs, these competitions nurture talent and creativity, while giving the next generation a chance to showcase Goa’s rich culinary traditions.”

The Department of Tourism, through collaborations with institutes and industry bodies, continues to highlight Goa’s culinary richness as part of its World Tourism Day 2025 celebrations, positioning the state as a vibrant hub for culture, talent, and sustainable tourism.

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