New Tourism Projects Set to Transform Goa’s Cultural and Community Spaces

The Goa government has approved several new initiatives aimed at enhancing the state's tourism offerings. Notably, a Rs 120.97 crore Town Square project in Porvorim has been approved, along with plans to beautify Porvorim creek and develop the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum at Farmagudi.

The Town Square is set to be a landmark public space, covering 11,000 sq m, designed as a heritage-linked community hub. It will host various amenities such as markets, fountains, cinemas, heritage features, and cultural spaces, with the aim of promoting local arts, culture, and economic activity. The project is scheduled for completion by March 2026, with funding split between the central and state governments.

Other developments include the enhancement of creek areas along the Rural Circuit from Porvorim to Harvalem, as part of the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme. This will facilitate improved experiences at Torda Creek, Malim Jetty, Virlosa, and Pomburpa, alongside spiritual initiatives like the Gomant Sarita Poojan.

Revisions to the Colva area are also underway, focusing on redeveloping public spaces to enrich visitor experiences. The government emphasised that there are no restrictions on visiting waterfalls or other monsoon destinations, with safety measures being a priority.

Tourism Minister Rohan A Khaunte highlighted the ongoing effort to diversify Goa’s tourism beyond its beaches. Initiatives like eco-tourism, adventure tourism, wellness, and MICE events are being developed to attract a broader, higher-quality visitor profile. Nearly Rs 400 crore worth of tourism projects have received approval from the central government.

The minister also called for responsible communication about Goa’s tourism sector and encouraged stakeholders to support ongoing efforts to improve industry standards, including better taxi services and tackling touting issues. The aim is to promote year-round tourism, embracing Goa’s rich cultural and natural landscape beyond its famed coastlines.