Goa Grants ₹2 Lakh Each to 100 Women Entrepreneurs to start Homestays
Goa Grants ₹2 Lakh Each to 100 Women Entrepreneurs to start Homestays
The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, recently conducted an Awareness and Training Programme on the Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme at Novotel Goa Panaji. The initiative was tailored for both existing and aspiring homestay owners, with a strong focus on encouraging women to step forward as entrepreneurs in the tourism sector.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The event began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, followed by a floral welcome for the dignitaries. Among those present were Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Rohan A. Khaunte, Director of Tourism Kedar Naik, GTDC Managing Director Kuldeep Arolkar, Director of the Department of Information and Technology Kabir Shirgaonkar, Asmita Joshi (Public Policy Head India, Airbnb), and Tejas Raval (Senior Coordinator, Self-Employed Women’s Association – SEWA).
Minister Emphasizes Women Empowerment and Rural Tourism
Addressing the gathering, Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte reiterated the government’s vision of expanding tourism beyond Goa’s beaches and generating new livelihood opportunities, especially in rural areas. “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 own 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, and women, as ambassadors of tourism, 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.”
Highlighting the “Goa Beyond Beaches” campaign initiated with Ekadasha Teertha, the minister added that Goa’s rich culinary traditions make it a natural contender to become India’s culinary capital- with women leading this transformation. He further announced that the scheme would eventually be extended to urban regions as well.
Focus on Authentic Travel Experiences and Local Economy
Tourism Director Kedar Naik emphasized that the department’s goal is not only to promote destinations but also to strengthen Goa’s economy. The Homestay Scheme, he explained, aims to provide travelers with an authentic experience of Goa’s hinterlands and culture while uplifting local communities. A central focus is empowering women in rural areas to build sustainable infrastructure and support tourism growth.
Training, Insights, and Inspiring Stories
Deputy Director of Tourism Diksha Namdev Tari presented a detailed briefing on the scheme. The event also featured knowledge-sharing sessions by partners including Airbnb, SEWA, and the IT Department, who offered insights on marketing, digital tools, and operational management.
Adding a personal touch, veteran homestay owner Smt. Meeta Parmar from Gujarat shared her inspiring journey of running “Meetaben’s Homestay” for over 25 years.
In recognition of local entrepreneurs, awards were presented to Janki Rama Samkar of Jungle Trails, Tambdi Surla, and Sonia Roy Saldanha of Cozy Homes, Ponda.
Boosting Hinterland Tourism and Women’s Entrepreneurship
The Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme is designed to create sustainable livelihoods for locals particularly women- by enabling them to convert parts of their homes into tourist-friendly accommodations. Targeting hinterland talukas such as Sattari, Dharbandora, Sanguem, Bicholim, Ponda, Quepem, and Canacona, the initiative seeks to channel tourism benefits to villages steeped in culture, heritage, and natural beauty.
By combining Goa’s cultural richness, natural landscapes, and warm hospitality, the scheme promises to provide additional income streams for families while empowering women, preserving traditions, and offering travelers a genuine taste of Goan life.
A Grateful Conclusion to the Event
The event was anchored by Deepak Narvekar, PRO and Dy. General Manager, GTDC, who kept the proceedings engaging and warm. It concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Deputy Director of Tourism, Diksha Namdev Tari, who expressed appreciation to the dignitaries, partners, participants, and organizers for their valuable contributions to the programme’s success.
