The Department of Tourism, Goa, announced the signing of the Taj Aguada Plateau Supplemental Lease Deed, a key milestone in enhancing the region’s tourism infrastructure. The ceremony was held on August 13 at Mantralaya, Porvorim, Goa, in the presence of Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, Tourism Minister Rohan A Khaunte, and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dr V Candavelou, IAS, Director Tourism. The deed was signed by the Director of Tourism, Suneel Anchipaka, IAS; Rajendra Misra, Executive Vice President and General Counsel; and Prabhat Verma, Executive Vice President (Operations, South India, International & Expressions), from The Indian Hotels Company Limited, in the presence of other members: Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer; Ranjit Phillipose, Senior Vice President (Operations, Goa); Ashwani Anand, General Manager, Taj Cidade De Goa; and Aejaz Shaikh, Director of Sales & Marketing, Taj Cidade De Goa.
With the signing of the supplemental lease deed, IHCL will develop a wellness, Ayurveda, and yoga-centric cultural spectacle on the Aguada Plateau in Goa. This project will be of international standards, featuring recreation and immersive experiences designed to attract high-end tourists to the state.
This landmark agreement underscores the commitment of the Goa government and the Taj Group to enhance the state’s tourism landscape, providing visitors with world-class experiences while preserving the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. By signing the lease, the aim is to facilitate further investments in the tourism sector, creating opportunities for local employment and sustainable economic growth.
Chief Minister of Goa, who is also the Chairman of the Goa Tourism Board, Dr Pramod Sawant, expressed the Department of Tourism’s resolve, stating, “The Government of Goa has taken a big step by signing this lease deed with Indian Hotels Company Limited after resolving all issues. This signing reaffirms our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences while preserving the unique charm of Goa, including wellness, Ayurveda, cultural, and other regenerative tourism themes. We look forward to continuing this collaboration with the Indian Hotels Company Limited to further enrich the region’s new tourism offerings and contribute positively to its sustainable development.”
The Tourism Minister, Rohan A Khaunte, stated, “The signing marks a new era for tourism in Goa. We are committed to creating a robust infrastructure that supports sustainable tourism while celebrating our state’s unique heritage. This agreement with the IHCL Taj Group will enhance Goa’s appeal as a global tourism hotspot, benefiting our economy and local communities.”
Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director of Tourism and Managing Director of GTDC, stated, “We are thrilled to reach this pivotal lease deed with The Indian Hotels Company Limited. The signing for the Taj Aguada Plateau represents a major step forward in our vision to develop Goa as a premier global tourism destination. This partnership will not only enhance our infrastructure but also create lasting economic benefits for our local communities. Our focus is to promote wellness tourism, Ayurveda, regenerative tourism, and other facets of tourism that Goa has to offer to bring more quality tourists to the state.”
The Taj Aguada Plateau, renowned for its breathtaking views and rich history, will continue to serve as a beacon of luxury and excellence. This supplemental lease paves the way for the development of state-of-the-art facilities and services, ensuring Goa remains a premier destination for travellers from around the globe. Additionally, the nearby Mopa Airport will be beneficial for the convenient flow of tourists.
The Department of Tourism has been instrumental in advancing Goa’s tourism sector and remains dedicated to fostering partnerships that drive innovation and progress in the region.
