Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Wednesday asserted that Goa must evolve as the spiritual capital of the nation, advocating a broader and more inclusive vision for tourism development. He said spiritual tourism offers Goa an opportunity to highlight its diverse cultural and spiritual heritage while moving beyond conventional tourism narratives.
Rane emphasised that spiritual tourism should be viewed as a unifying concept that cuts across religious boundaries and reflects India’s pluralistic traditions.
Spiritual Tourism Transcends Religious Boundaries
Elaborating on his vision, Rane said spiritual tourism is not confined to any particular religion. He noted that Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and other spiritual traditions can coexist and contribute to a holistic tourism ecosystem in Goa.
According to the Health Minister, promoting spiritual tourism is the need of the hour and can support sustainable growth while preserving the state’s cultural identity.
Need to Rework Narrative Around Nightclubs
Rane also addressed concerns related to Goa’s nightlife, stating that the existing narrative around nightclubs needs to be reworked. He stressed that the focus should shift towards quality, accountability, and regulation rather than unchecked expansion.
He said nightclubs must be kept under control to ensure public safety, order, and compliance with established norms.
Emphasis on Regulation and Responsible Governance
Highlighting the role of governance, Rane said effective regulation is essential to balance tourism growth with social responsibility. He stated that, if given the opportunity, he would actively pursue measures aimed at strengthening oversight and improving standards in nightlife operations.
He added that tourism policies must align with broader public health, safety, and governance objectives.
Proposal to Be Placed Before the Chief Minister
The Health Minister clarified that he would place his submissions and recommendations before the Chief Minister. As the head of the state government, the Chief Minister would take the final decision on matters related to tourism policy and regulation, Rane said.
The remarks indicate an ongoing policy-level discussion within the government on redefining Goa’s tourism identity.
Balancing Tourism Growth With Cultural Values
Policy observers note that Rane’s comments highlight an attempt to strike a balance between economic growth, cultural preservation, and governance. The focus on spiritual tourism and regulated nightlife reflects a broader effort to diversify Goa’s tourism model while maintaining social harmony.
Further discussions and policy decisions are expected as the government evaluates proposals related to tourism diversification and regulatory reform.