The Government College of Arts, Science, and Commerce, Quepem, in collaboration with the Directorate of Higher Education, organized a State Level Workshop on “Tourism Transformations – Fostering Sustainable Entrepreneurial Ecosystems” on 10th January 2025 from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. 08 students (03 males, 05 females) from the PG Department of Commerce at VVM’s Shree Damodar College of Commerce and Economics, Margao, namely, Glyn Shannyn Gomindes, Isaq Ebrahim, Manjushri Hiremani, Sharwari Bhatikar, Siddhi Haldankar, Siya Naik, Tanmay Nerurker, and Vaishnavi Morajkar, attended the session.
The workshop commenced at 9:48 AM with a lamp-lighting ceremony and an inaugural session. Chief Guest Mr. Subhash Phal Dessai, Hon’ble Minister of Social Welfare of Goa, addressed the gathering, followed by the Guest of Honour, Mr. Bhushan Savoikar, Director of Higher Education, Government of Goa, sharing his insights on Goa’s tourism potential. Keynote speaker Mr. Gavin Dias further elaborated on the topic. A token of appreciation was presented to Mr. Dessai by Dr. Sathish, and the Vice Principal set the tone for the day with his address to the gathering. The inaugural session concluded with a tea break at 11:25 AM.
The technical sessions began at 12:02 PM, with an introduction by Miss Relisha Azavedo, who welcomed Chairperson Mr. Deepak Narvekar. Presentations included:
- Group 1:Innovative techniques to boost tourism inspired by global strategies
- Group 2:Tourism initiatives such as homestays, village development, and the tourism shack policy
- Group 3:A review of government efforts to promote eco-tourism by comparing best practices
- Group 4:The use of GIS tool in tourism development
- Group 5:Study of Goa Miles as a transportation model
- Group 6:Analysis of Travel motivations and associated risks
- Group 7:Trends in consumer behavior within tourism
- Group 8:Examining factors in Sports Tourism
- Group 9:Traditional Goan attires and their cultural significance
- Group 10:Culinary practices unique to Goa
- Group 11:Tourist perceptions of Goan music
After a lunch break at 2:30 PM, a panel discussion was held at 3:30 PM, moderated by Miss Medora, who introduced the panelists: Prof. Irfan Mirza (Director & Principal, V.M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education), Ms. Priyanka Naik (Proprietor, Priyanka Gardening Services and Joint Manager, RasRaj Goa Farms), Mr. Kedar Borker (Founder, Soul Travelling), and Mr. Mark Anthony Mendes (Goa Tourism Board Member, Cruise Liners & Marketing).
During the awards ceremony, Mr. Narendra Gaonkar won third place, Miss Shivani Divankar secured second, and Miss Dikshita Shindri received first place. Miss Dhanshri Dessai and Mr. Varun Mascarenhas shared their experiences. Prof. Irfan Mirza presented the Best Organiser Trophy to Asst. Prof. Trusha Vedil, who concluded the event with a vote of thanks. The seminar ended with the national anthem and refreshments, leaving participants enriched with insights on sustainable tourism development in Goa.
