World Tourism Day 2025 with the theme- Tourism and Sustainable Transformation was celebrated on 27th September 2025 at Holy Trinity Church, Benaulim. The celebration started with a Concelebrated mass presided over by the Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman, Simiao Purificacao Fernandes. The theme taken for the Holy mass was ‘Tourism- Our Livelihood, Let’s March Forward Responsibly with Steps of Hope’. Stakeholders of tourism and parishioners participated in the Eucharistic celebration. The Auxiliary Bishop in his homily highlighted the present reality of tourism and urged the congregation that corrective measures need to be adopted as there is always hope. He also highlighted the importance of responsible tourism, focusing on the Jubilee theme of HOPE – Hospitality, Opportunities, Preservation, and Encounter He reminded the faithful of the richness of Goan culture, heritage, and natural beauty that must be safeguarded for generations to come.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, a get-together was held at St. Aloysius High School Hall. The program began with melodious Goan songs by the school children’s band. Ms. Vigilia de Sá welcomed the dignitaries and participants, setting the tone for an engaging and thought-provoking day.
The highlight of the program was the panel of three eminent speakers:
● Fr. Savio Fernandes, Assistant Director of Caritas and Executive Secretary of the
Centre for Social Justice and Peace, emphasized the role of the Church in ensuring humanitarian and responsible tourism that upholds the dignity of every person.
● A soulful song on tourism by Clint Furtado followed.
● Ms. Sabina Martins, a well-known social activist, spoke on the realities and challenges of tourism in Goa, highlighting issues such as women and child safety, cultural commercialization, land grabbing, unemployment, trafficking, substance abuse, and the need for greater involvement of locals in governance and planning.
A creative mime performance by the students of St. Aloysius High School on conserving nature further inspired participants.
● Mr. Elvis Gomes, former bureaucrat and social thinker, concluded with an insightful session on the Way Forward. He stressed on unity among communities, knowledge-sharing, and widening Goa’s vision for sustainable tourism, while addressing the underlying concerns of corruption and community participation.
The speakers highlighted the existing scenario of Tourism in Goa and the challenges faced by the communities at large and suggested steps to overcome these challenges. In a very interactive discussion that followed after the talks, a way forward was proposed for CRT to be a rallying point to facilitate conversations on issues faced by the stakeholders and local communities. Furthermore, these issues are to be presented to the government for effective and lasting solutions. The gathering was unanimous that the state tourism policy needs a major change by which local communities must be given centerstage, thereby enhancing their participation in the sector.
The discussions concluded with the announcement that CRT has always provided a platform for stakeholders to voice concerns, share ideas, and meet regularly to find practical ways forward for the tourism sector and will continue to do so.
The event ended with a vote of thanks delivered by Fr. Freddy Braganza, who appreciated the participation of all stakeholders and the commitment shown towards shaping a more responsible and people-centric tourism in Goa.
Fr Freddy Braganca
(Executive Secretary of Centre for Responsible Tourism)
