The Goa Minister for Tourism Rohan A. Khaunte, today met Union Minister for Tourism & Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in New Delhi to discuss strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating Goa’s tourism vision through enhanced air connectivity, improved accessibility, sustainable destination development and regenerative tourism.
The meeting focused on aligning Goa’s long-term tourism strategy with the Government of India’s national tourism priorities while strengthening the State’s position as India’s premier year-round tourism destination.
The meeting deliberated on a series of strategic proposals aimed at strengthening Goa’s connectivity and enhancing its competitiveness as an international tourism destination. To further improve ease of travel for international visitors, the meeting discussed the extension of the Visa-on-Arrival facility to both Manohar International Airport (Mopa) and Goa International Airport (Dabolim), bringing Goa on par with the six airports in India currently offering this facility and making international travel to the State more convenient.
The discussions also focused on extending Open Sky policy benefits to Goa to encourage greater international airline operations, improve direct connectivity with overseas markets and support the State’s long-term tourism growth.
The meeting also discussed enhancement of flight capacity on several key domestic routes connecting Goa with major Indian cities, ensuring seamless connectivity for travellers and supporting sustained year-round tourism growth.
Goa has also sought the Union Government’s support in designating Goa as a Point of Call for priority international markets, particularly Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), to facilitate greater direct international air connectivity and unlock new high-potential tourism source markets.
Speaking after the meeting, Khaunte said: “This crucial meeting with Hon’ble Union Minister for Tourism & Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat ji, discussed several strategic initiatives to strengthen Goa’s tourism ecosystem. As Goa continues to transition towards a high-value, year-round tourism model, enhanced domestic and international connectivity, improved ease of travel and stronger destination promotion are critical to achieving our long-term vision. Goa today offers far more than its iconic beaches—it is a destination for wellness, heritage, culture, adventure, MICE and regenerative tourism. I sincerely thank Shekhawat ji for his continued guidance and support, and we look forward to working closely with the Ministry of Tourism to accelerate sustainable tourism growth that benefits our people, our visitors and India’s tourism economy.”
The meeting reflects the vision of positioning Goa as a globally competitive, year-round tourism destination through improved connectivity, strategic policy support and sustainable tourism development, while contributing to India’s broader tourism growth agenda.