December is officially upon us and it brings a fantastic holiday vibe, well, after working hard all through the year, isn’t it time for all of us to unwind a little? Well, for me it sure is, and what makes this idea even better is the amazing opportunity Airbnb brings to many of us. If you want to bring in the new year, by partying hard or sunbathing at a beach on pleasant winter mornings, Goa is the place for you. But what if I tell you that Airbnb is going to change this narrative of Goa for you, and take you to a very different side of the state beyond the beaches and flamboyant nightlife? Yes, if Goa is on your list this month, then it’s time for you to rediscover it. Airbnb in collaboration with the Goa Tourism Department is launching a week-long celebration of Goa’s vast cultural diversity.
The Rediscover Goa celebration takes place from December 12-18 and it will offer more than 20 specially curated unique Airbnb Experiences hosted by local experts highlighting the rich culture, heritage, musical traditions, Goan delicacies, thriving landscapes, and a lot more. One of the ideas behind this celebration is to highlight the cultural legacy that the Goans follow even in this day and age. This experience will not just allow you to indulge in the vibrant local culture of Goa, but it will also make you witness some lesser-known curiosities that make Goa what it is.
With this initiative, Airbnb aims to foster community-driven tourism that encourages travelers to experience Goa’s pristine essence as a local. Talking about this initiative, Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager, Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, says:…
Goa is a highly sought-after tourism destination and is one of the key destinations for us at Airbnb. As close partners to Goan communities, we are making conscious efforts to boost unique and immersive experiences in the state. People are increasingly becoming more thoughtful and deliberate about the ways they travel and prefer to make a positive contribution to the local communities. Through Rediscover Goa, we aim to enable such experiences and help travelers discover cultural aspects that are truly reflective of Goa. We are committed to working closely with the local government to support micro-entrepreneurship and help travelers rediscover Goa in its true essence.
Commenting on the Rediscover Goa campaign, Shri Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, says…
Goa is a treasure trove of hidden gems and we have been undertaking several initiatives for travelers from across the world to explore the hinterlands of the state. This partnership with Airbnb will support our endeavors in the hinterland and homestay tourism. Such initiatives will bring financial independence to the women who are the majority stakeholder in the homestay business and provide benefits to remote communities. We look forward to working together to promote homestay hinterland tourism in the state.
What’s more in store you wonder?
From an opportunity to enjoy a five-course authentic Goan meal to grooving to Portuguese and Goan music is an experience you want to have. There is a riverside e-cycling tour, you can also go kayaking at the Sal backwaters or take a trail from cliff to coast, and trust me, you won’t be any less mesmerized by this side of Goa that Airbnb wishes you to witness. And the list doesn’t end here, you can take a pottery class, visit the mansions of Goa, and even enjoy a farm-to-table experience along with a sunset and starry sky trail. This celebration has something for everyone, and if you want to join us in it, then make your bookings here.
Well, I have already begun packing my bags for Rediscover Goa and I suggest you should too.