The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, organised an Awareness and Training Programme on the Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme at Novotel Goa Panaji, specifically designed for existing and aspiring homestay owners, with a strong emphasis on encouraging women to participate and thrive as entrepreneurs in the tourism sector.

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

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting tourism beyond beaches and creating new livelihood 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 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. As ambassadors of tourism, women can help make Goa the culinary capital of India. The minister also stated that the scheme will eventually be extended to urban areas as well.”

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, stated that Goa Tourism aims not only to promote its destinations but also to strengthen the state’s economy. The focus is on offering tourists an authentic experience of the local culture and hinterlands, while also enhancing local tourism. A key objective is to enable women in rural areas to develop infrastructure that will, in turn, help boost tourism.

Smt. Diksha Namdev Tari, Deputy Director of Tourism, delivered the briefing on the scheme. The event also featured presentations by partners, including Airbnb, SEWA, and the IT Department, who shared practical insights on marketing, operations, and digital tools. Smt. Meeta Parmar from Gujarat, the owner of Meetaben’s Homestay, has been running the business for the past 25 years, sharing her story. 

During the felicitation ceremony, the organisers presented honours to Janki Rama Samkar, the owner of Jungle Trails, and Sonia Roy Saldanha, the owner of Tambdi Surla and Cosy Homes, from Ponda.

The Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme aims to provide locals, especially women in the hinterland, with a sustainable livelihood opportunity by enabling them to convert part of their homes into welcoming stays for visitors. Covering hinterland talukas such as Sattari, Dharbandora, Sanguem, Bicholim, Ponda, Quepem, and Canacona, the scheme focuses on bringing tourism benefits to villages rich in culture, heritage, and natural beauty. By tapping into Goa’s cultural heritage, natural surroundings, and traditional hospitality, the scheme not only creates an additional source of income but also empowers women to become self-reliant, preserve local traditions, and showcase authentic Goan life to travellers.

Shri Deepak Narvekar, PRO and Dy. The General Manager of GTDC compered the event, creating a warm and engaging atmosphere. The event concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Smt. Diksha Namdev Tari, Dy. The Director of Tourism expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, partners, participants, and the organising team for their contributions towards making the programme a success.

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