With its world-famous beaches and efforts to extend fast internet connection to rural areas, Goa aims to become digital nomads’ number one choice for a ‘job’.
The beautiful beaches of Goa have long been the stage for dream holidays and joyful celebrations for tourists.
Now, the Indian state is trying to attract visitors willing to stay longer and embrace life within the local community, turning their holidays into a real vacation a unique work.
“Goa has always been a favorite destination,” Goa’s tourism and IT minister Rohan Khaunte tells Euronews Travel, with tourists seeking “sun, sand and sea”.
But following the pandemic, tourists arriving in Goa are no longer the same as before the health emergency, explains Khaunte.
“It’s a form of revenge tourism, travelers want to explore more, do more things and we need to create these opportunities for them.”
How Goa attracts digital nomads?
Goa has long been trying to become a remote working hub, but is now doubling down on its efforts with the “Workation Goa” campaign.
This invites”digital nomads who want a creative, peaceful place with a good quality of life” to move to the state, where this lifestyle is part of the local culture.
To do this, Goa is introducing high-speed connectivity to rural areas of the state and setting up “seaside hubs” coworking shacks along its world-famous beaches.
The state’s maritime hubs will be spaces near the beach that “will allow digital nomads to work and then enjoy local life, go for a swim, do some water sports on the beach,” Khaunte says.
A fast and reliable internet connection in rural areas of the state will not only make villages accessible to digital nomads but will also encourage more tourists to travel to remote parts of the state, strengthening Goa’s homestay programme.
This would in turn allow digital nomads and tourists to deepen their understanding of local culture.
The Goa government aims to achieve 100% internet connectivity in its territory within two years.
Does Goa have a digital nomad visa?
The western state is still pushing the Indian government for the introduction of a digital nomad visa category, but is confident that progress is being made in this direction.
This visa would allow digital nomads to stay in Goa – and anywhere else in India – for a year while working remotely for a foreign-based employer or working as a freelancer.
India currently offers a long-term multiple entry visa which is technically for tourism purposes only.
“The whole country needs to benefit, not just Goa,” says Khaunte, “Digital nomads will give back to the country and help empower local communities and rural women, because homestays are run by women.”
By encouraging digital nomads to move to Goa, the state is encouraging “sustainability and women’s empowerment,” says Khaunte.
Image:Getty Images
