Leveraging Tourism for UN Sustainable Development Goals in Goa: An Assessment

Abstract

Tourism is one of the fastest-growing industries globally, serving as a crucial source of foreign exchange, employment, and cultural exchange. It plays a key role in driving economic growth and fostering sustainable development, making it a vital contributor to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development presents significant implications for tourism theory, practice, and policy. Goa, a globally renowned tourist destination, holds immense potential to foster sustainable development by balancing economic growth with social inclusion and environmental conservation.

This paper examines the role of tourism in achieving specific SDGs in Goa: SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The study critically analyses the gaps in the sustainable development practices of Goa’s tourism policies. Using a combination of case studies as primary source and secondary data, the study highlights key initiatives promoting sustainable tourism practices, eco-tourism projects and community-based tourism programs. It also identifies challenges like resource exploitation, over-tourism, and environmental degradation, which may hinder progress towards the SDGs. The paper concludes with actionable recommendations to mitigate these challenges, including better resource management, promoting off-season tourism, and enhancing local community engagement. By aligning tourism development strategies with the SDGs, this paper offers insights for policymakers and tourism professionals in Goa and similar destinations.