Agoda, a leading digital travel platform, has partnered with the Government of Goa and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) to foster sustainable tourism practices in India. This collaboration led to a two-day hotel sustainability training workshop, held on November 28-29, 2023, at Park Regis, Goa. The initiative represents a significant step towards promoting responsible tourism in one of India's most popular destinations.

The workshop, designed for local hoteliers, featured a series of sessions led by prominent industry experts. These sessions aimed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to improve their sustainability practices. Throughout the training, hoteliers were exposed to best-in-class sustainability practices and real-life hotel case studies.

Using the GSTC Industry Criteria for hotels as a guide, attendees assessed their current performance and set practical sustainability goals for the short, medium, and long term. Krishna Rathi, Agoda’s country director for India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives, expressed pride in the partnership. He emphasised the importance of embracing sustainability in the hospitality industry, stating, “With the right knowledge and tools, we aim to accelerate this evolution.”

Suneel Anchipaka, Director of Tourism in Goa, highlighted the government's commitment to sustainable tourism. He encouraged hotel professionals to take advantage of the opportunity to learn about and incorporate sustainable practices in their operations.

The Goa edition of the GSTC/Agoda program witnessed participation from over forty industry professionals, including general managers and senior executives from prominent hotel groups like Accor, Kenilworth Resort & Spa, Park Regis Goa, and Radisson Goa Candolim. The initiative has previously been conducted in Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand, with over two hundred hoteliers participating.

This partnership aligns with the Goa Roadmap and 'Travel for LiFE,' contributing to a collective vision for a more sustainable future in tourism. As the industry evolves, initiatives like this play a crucial role in building a responsible and resilient tourism sector in Goa.