Goa–Madhya Pradesh pact to boost heritage and wildlife tourism

Goa and Madhya Pradesh have agreed to collaborate on joint tourism promotion with a focus on heritage, wildlife, and cultural experiences. In a meeting hosted by the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, senior officials from both states explored two-way tourism, product development, and capacity building for trade stakeholders.

Strategic focus and objectives

The partnership aims to move beyond Goa’s beach-centric image and highlight Old Goa’s churches, forts, village walks, and festivals alongside Madhya Pradesh’s UNESCO sites and tiger reserves. Both states will co-create themed circuits, align marketing calendars, and share best practices in destination management, digital outreach, and visitor servicing.

Who met and what was agreed

Goa’s Director of Tourism, Kedar Naik, GTDC’s Gavin Dias, and TTAG President, Jack Sukhija, met Madhya Pradesh’s Principal Secretary (Culture, Tourism & Public Relations), Sheo Shekhar Shukla, IAS. Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte said the alliance will deepen narrative-led travel and diversify itineraries. Madhya Pradesh invited Goa’s tourism leadership and trade for field visits next quarter; Goa will host a reciprocal delegation to firm up itineraries and partnerships.

Two-way circuits and product development

Working groups will map joint routes that pair coastal culture with heartland heritage and wildlife. Sample ideas include “Beach to Bradshaw” heritage trails linking Goa’s Latin quarters with Gwalior–Mandu circuits; “Temples, Tribes and Tigers” connecting South Goa villages to Kanha–Bandhavgarh–Pench; monsoon birding spanning Goa wetlands and MP’s Satpura landscapes; and festival exchanges to build year-round demand and longer stays.

Exam Oriented Facts

• States: Goa and Madhya Pradesh; focus on heritage, wildlife, and culture.
• Key officials: Kedar Naik (Goa), Sheo Shekhar Shukla, IAS (MP).
• Next steps: reciprocal delegations to design circuits and trade tie-ups.
• Goal: two-way tourism, joint marketing, and new domestic travel circuits.

Sustainability, skills, and community benefits

The roadmap emphasises responsible tourism—carrying-capacity planning for sensitive sites, homestay standards, waste and water protocols, and heritage conservation with local bodies. Trade sessions will upskill guides and operators on storytelling, accessible tourism, and digital bookings. Revenue-sharing models with community enterprises, crafts, and agro-tourism units are proposed to spread benefits, while co-branding campaigns and unified calendars will target families, culture seekers, and wildlife travellers across peak and shoulder seasons.