Initiative would help local communities, creative professionals, says Khaunte
Calangute: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the state was laying the foundation to become India’s preferred “work from home” and “work from beach” destination, as it seeks to position itself as a hub for remote work, digital innovation and creative entrepreneurship.
Addressing the Goa Shackathon at Tito’s Lane in Baga on Thursday, Sawant said that changing work patterns and the aspirations of Gen Z had created new opportunities for Goa.
“Work has changed, aspirations have changed, and people are no longer only searching for jobs. Many are building ideas, creating brands and starting ventures, and choosing careers that give purpose and freedom together. The government has to move with that change,” he said.
He said that while the world continues to chose Goa as a tourist destination, Goa is preparing for new possibilities.
“The younger generation wanted flexibility, mental peace and creative environments instead of traditional office set-ups. Can Goa become the place where people choose to stay longer, work longer and build something meaningful? This opens a huge opportunity for Goa,” said the Chief Minister.
Tourism, he said, will continue to remain one of the biggest pillars of the economy.
“Last year Goa welcomed approximately 1.8 crore tourists in 2025, while there was a 10 per cent increase in international tourist arrivals,” the Chief Minister said.
Goa’s tourism ecosystem and the work-from-home culture after the Covid pandemic had helped create a “digital nomad fraternity”, said Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte.
“Work from home culture can become work from Goa. After Covid, work from home became work from Goa and it became hashtag workation-Goa,” the Tourism Minister stated.
He stated that the initiative would help local communities, shack owners and creative professionals while strengthening Goa’s identity as both a tourism and technology destination.
The two-day Goa Shackathon has been organised by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, for founders, remote workers, designers, influencers, digital nomads, creators and students to network and share experiences.
