Building Bridges from Goa to the World
An Interview with Mr. Peter Pinto, CEO & Founder of Neha Tours & Travel
By the GapEdu Communications Team
Global Tourism Partnership Series
“Tourism should preserve what it celebrates.”
“With GapEdu, Goa’s spirit is reaching the world.”
“Education is the bridge between destinations and communities.”
For more than four decades, Neha Tours & Travel has stood as one of Goa’s most trusted travel companies — a family enterprise blending genuine hospitality with deep destination knowledge.
Founded by Mr. Peter Pinto, the company operates both as a travel agency helping Indians explore international destinations and as a Destination Management Company (DMC) welcoming travelers from around the world to India.
Today, through a strategic partnership with GapEdu, Neha Tours & Travel is expanding its footprint across Europe and the Nordic region, sharing the warmth of Goan culture with new audiences and redefining what it means to travel responsibly, sustainably, and meaningfully.
“GapEdu exists to empower local champions of tourism — companies like Neha Tours & Travel — to connect with the world through education, sustainability, and innovation,”
says Mr. Jyrki Nilson, Co-Founder & CEO of GapEdu.
“Peter Pinto’s lifelong dedication to authentic service represents exactly the kind of partnership that inspires us to build bridges between Asia and Europe.”
- A Family Legacy in Travel
Mr. Pinto, Neha Tours & Travel has been in business for more than forty years. How did it all begin, and what keeps your mission alive?
“When we began, travel was still a privilege for a few. I wanted to open that door — to help people discover the world, and to welcome the world to India.”
From a modest family office in Goa, his vision grew into a trusted global enterprise guided by one core value — every guest must leave with a smile.
Today, with GapEdu’s mentorship and network, Neha Tours & Travel is introducing that same personal care and authenticity to travelers from across Europe and the Nordics.
- Balancing Two Worlds: Travel Agency and DMC
Operating as both a travel agency and a DMC gives Neha Tours & Travel a dual advantage.
“We understand what travelers want — whether they’re Indians heading abroad or Europeans coming to India. That dual insight shapes our service.”
Through GapEdu’s Global Tourism Partnership Program, the company now participates in B2B matchmaking, destination training, and joint marketing that bridges the East-West travel experience.
- Goa — More Than Just Beaches
Goa’s 100 kilometers of coastline offer endless beauty, but as Mr. Pinto explains, its soul lies beyond the sand.
“Goa is not just a beach; it’s a state of mind. The Indo-Portuguese heritage, the whitewashed churches, the festivals — everything here tells a story.”
From Mandovi River cruises to Latin Quarter heritage walks, Neha’s itineraries showcase Goa’s living culture. With GapEdu’s digital storytelling support, these authentic programs now reach Nordic travelers who value culture, nature, and human connection.
- Cultural Roots and Community Projects
Among the company’s signature initiatives is the “Goa Heritage & Heart” program — a village-based immersion where travelers meet bakers, artisans, and musicians.
Another, “Eco-Wellness Goa,” integrates yoga, Ayurveda, and eco-retreats amid spice plantations and backwaters.
“We don’t just showcase culture; we share it — and ensure communities benefit from every visitor,” says Mr. Pinto.
Through GapEdu’s Asia for Nordics platform, these projects are now introduced to Scandinavian tour operators and educators focused on sustainable travel.
- Sustainability in Action
For Neha Tours & Travel, sustainability is more than a concept — it’s a daily practice.
Their “Green Trails of Goa” initiative promotes cycling tours through spice gardens, supports wildlife conservation in the Western Ghats, and champions locally-run eco-stays.
“As a family rooted in Goa, we see sustainability as our responsibility. We want to preserve what we celebrate.”
GapEdu’s international representation has brought these models to global forums, positioning Goa as a beacon of regenerative tourism in South Asia.
- Trust, Service, and the Human Touch
Many of Neha’s partners have collaborated with the company for decades — a testament to reliability and sincerity.
“Trust is our currency. Every booking, every guest — we handle it personally.”
With GapEdu’s networking and brand-building expertise, Neha Tours & Travel has connected with new European operators who appreciate its blend of efficiency and heart.
- From Adrenaline to Serenity
Whether it’s parasailing, dolphin-watching, or trekking to Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Goa offers both thrill and tranquility.
“We design around moods, not markets. Goa gives us the freedom to create balance — energy and calm in one journey.”
GapEdu’s promotions have helped position Goa as a preferred destination for slow-travel enthusiasts and wellness-minded explorers across Europe.
- Engaging the Next Generation
The new generation of travelers seeks immersion, not observation. Neha’s “Goa Like a Local” program answers that call with feni-making workshops, flea-market adventures, and live music evenings.
“They want experiences that make them feel part of the story,” notes Mr. Pinto.
Through GapEdu’s creative media and youth-travel channels, these experiences are now resonating strongly with millennial and Gen Z travelers from the Nordics.
- Four Decades of Change — and a New Future
Over four decades, India’s travel industry has transformed beyond recognition.
“What excites me most is how collaboration and education now drive tourism,” Mr. Pinto reflects.
“GapEdu’s model — connecting learning with business — is exactly what our sector needs.”
- Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Neha Tours & Travel aims to strengthen its presence across Europe, the Nordic countries, and the Middle East, while innovating new cultural and community-based programs in India.
“Our mission is not only to welcome travelers to India but to create lasting friendships between cultures. With GapEdu beside us, that dream grows stronger every day.”
Mr. Nilson echoes that sentiment:
“Our partnership with Neha Tours & Travel is a beautiful example of how education, trust, and local expertise can redefine tourism for the future. Together, we’re showing that authentic travel is also responsible travel.”
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Editor’s Note
This interview is part of GapEdu’s Global Tourism Partnership Series, spotlighting visionary DMCs and travel leaders who are shaping the future of sustainable and educational tourism across Asia.
To learn more about Neha Tours & Travel and their Goa experiences, visit their official website or contact GapEdu for partnership opportunities.