Goa has initiated discussions with the Union government to improve international connectivity through Goa’s two airports (Photo: Goa Tourism)
Goa is looking to strengthen its position as an international tourism destination by expanding direct air connectivity with emerging overseas markets, as the state seeks to attract more foreign visitors and encourage longer stays.
In a press statement, Goa Tourism Board says that the state government has initiated discussions with the Union government to improve international connectivity through Goa’s two airports.
The focus is on newer markets including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Poland, while continuing to build on arrivals from traditional markets such as the UK and Russia.
Speaking at a tourism conclave in Goa on Monday, Rohan Khaunte, Tourism Minister Goa said the state aims to convert Goa’s strong global recall into higher tourist arrivals and increased visitor engagement.
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According to the minister, foreign tourists spend an average of nine nights in Goa, compared to three to four nights spent by domestic travellers.
Rohan Khaunte
The statement adds that the state government is also focussing on visa facilitation and international charter operations to support inbound tourism. Earlier this year, Goa introduced a performance-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for inbound international charter flights, offering incentives to tour operators based on passenger arrivals and load factors.
It adds that alongside connectivity, the state is witnessing continued expansion in hotel infrastructure, particularly in the four-star and five-star categories. However, the minister said demand still exceeds available inventory, prompting the government to encourage private investment in MICE tourism, weddings, cultural tourism and supporting infrastructure.
Goa is also attempting to position itself as a year-round destination through festival tourism. In addition to established events such as the Goa Carnival, Shigmo Festival and the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), the state is promoting local cultural events including São João Festival, Chikhal Kalo and Spirit of Goa Festival.
Tourism remains central to Goa’s economy, contributing nearly 70 pc to the state’s economic structure and supporting around 40-45 pc of employment, says the statement.
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“Our objective is to convert Goa’s strong global recall into tourist arrivals, increase visitor engagement and encourage longer tourists stays and ensure economic benefits for local communities. We are also advocating for improved visa facilitation and stronger international connectivity,” said Khaunte.
“We are encouraging investments in: MICE Tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) wedding and cultural tourism and necessary infrastructure the goal is to create a partnership where government provides the vision and private stakeholders help execute it, ultimately benefiting local communities,” he added.
Addressing concerns around tourist transport and local participation in the tourism economy, Khaunte said Goa’s tourism sector has evolved organically over decades, with traditional fishing communities and local residents becoming part of sectors such as water sports and transport services.
He adds that the government is working towards technology-driven and transparent systems while ensuring that local communities continue to benefit from tourism growth.