In a significant step toward positioning Goa as a hub for wellness tourism, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Rohan A. Khaunte, Director Tourism & Managing Director GTDC Shri. Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Dean (Academic & Administration) Prof. Dr. Sujata Kadam, launched two unique Ayurveda Wellness Packages for international visitors at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in Goa in Dhargal.
 
The launch further strengthens the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Tourism and AIIA, which focuses on promoting the rich traditional knowledge of Ayurveda and Yoga to global tourists.
 
This initiative builds upon the MoU signed at the Goa International Travel Mart (GITM), which marked the beginning of a strong partnership between Goa Tourism and AIIA. Following this, the Director of Tourism attended International Yoga Day celebrations at the AIIA Goa campus, underlining the state’s commitment to wellness and holistic health. Recently, the AIIA organized an educational trip for international visitors to iconic Goan destinations such as the Aguada Jail Museum, Nandanvan Spice Plantation, and the Mangueshi Temple, further enhancing visitors’ understanding of Goan heritage and wellness.
 
Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Rohan A. Khaunte stated “We are truly honored to be here today. Goa, beyond its beautiful beaches, is a destination that offers both quality and diversity. There has been a lot of discussion about collaborations and partnerships with other states to explore new avenues and innovative ideas that will help maintain Goa’s status as a premier destination. We are now focusing on areas such as the hinterland, wellness tourism, and homestays, while highlighting the unique and offbeat experiences that Goa has to offer. As we introduce new tourism services and reforms, we are proud to emphasize Ayurveda, which has long been a cornerstone of holistic health. Although allopathy has become a popular form of treatment in recent years, we are now revisiting our roots and bringing Ayurveda back to the forefront. It is important that we promote Ayurveda in its true essence. This state-of-the-art institute, located close to the airport and just 25 km from the capital city, will play a crucial role in promoting wellness packages. Your Dean’s vision to take this initiative forward aligns with our goals to enhance wellness tourism. The MoU signed today is not just a formality; it signifies a commitment to tangible progress and the development of new ideas. Together, we aim to make this collaboration truly impactful.”
 
Shri. Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director Tourism & Managing Director GTDC expressed his thoughts on the same “After signing the MOU with AIIA, we aim to collaborate with educational institutions and advance the initiatives in partnership with the Tourism Department. Our focus is on regenerative tourism and under RT we are focusing on various verticals and one of those is wellness tourism. We plan to collaborate with AYUSH to explore the potential of wellness tourism. We have designed this 5-day and 1-day sanitization program for tours and travel operators. Our objective is to align with the vision of our Honorable Minister, which emphasizes attracting quality tourists. This is a key focus of our Tourism Department. Our aim is to engage a broad range of tour and travel operators to help promote the Tourism Department’s initiatives in collaboration with this institute. The goal is to showcase Goa beyond its beaches, highlighting local gems. For example, we recently took operators to a spice plantation, and we will continue to conduct similar programs in the future to present Goa beyond beaches. ”
 
Shri Gavin Dias, General Manager, GTDC and Shri. Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager, GTDC, Shri. Ismail Shaikh, Vice President, Concord Exotic Voyages ltd Goa, and Coordinator, Dr. Yogesh Shinde and other faculty members of AIIA were also present.
 
The 1-Day Ayurveda Wellness Package aims at creating awareness and sparking interest in Ayurveda among global visitors, offering a comprehensive introduction to Ayurveda and Yoga. Participants will embark on an enlightening tour of the AIIA Goa campus and experience :Personalized health and wellness consultations, A traditional Yoga session, An Ayurvedic Abhyanga (oil massage), A Model Healthy Ayurvedic Food experience. The immersive day will give international visitors a taste of authentic Indian wellness practices. The total charges for the 1-day package is priced at $50.
 
5-Day Ayurveda Wellness Sensitization Program is for those seeking a deeper understanding of Ayurveda, offering participants an authentic experience of Ayurvedic wellness practices, coupled with a scientific approach. The highlights of this program include: Ayurvedic Abhyanga and Shiroabhyanga (oil massage for the body and head), Tours of the AIIA Goa campus, including the hospital, herbal garden, library, and academic museums, Daily Havana (sacred fire ritual) and Yoga practice, Insights into a healthy Ayurvedic lifestyle, including practical demonstrations on the preparation of Ayurvedic recipes , Introduction to the basic concepts of Ayurveda and Yoga, Model Healthy Ayurvedic Food sessions. This in-depth program is designed to familiarize participants with Ayurvedic principles and promote well-being. The total charges for the 5-day package is priced at $150.
 
These wellness packages are part of the broader initiative to establish Goa as a premier wellness tourism destination, leveraging the rich heritage of Ayurveda and Yoga to attract international travelers. The collaboration with AIIA Goa is a key element of this initiative, fostering an environment where visitors can experience traditional Indian wisdom in a serene and nurturing setting.
 
The application forms for both wellness packages can be downloaded from the official website: www.aiiagoa.org