Goa is gearing up for a tourism transformation with development projects worth ₹350 crore underway, announced Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte in the State Assembly. The goal: to move beyond beach tourism and position Goa as a diverse, high-quality global destination.
Between January and June 2025, the state welcomed 5.45 million tourists, including 270,000 international visitors — an 8.4% increase from last year. Hotel occupancy ranged between 70% to 100%, boosted by cultural celebrations like São João and eco-tourism experiences such as forest stays and creek tours.
Minister Khaunte dismissed concerns of declining footfalls, highlighting that in 2024 Goa attracted 10.4 million visitors — a 39.5% rise in domestic and 50% jump in international tourists compared to pre-COVID 2019.
Connectivity is at the heart of this growth. Direct flights to Gatwick (UK) will resume by late September, and Russian airline Aeroflot will start flights from Yekaterinburg in October. New air links with Poland, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan are also contributing to rising foreign arrivals.
Goa is also pioneering regenerative tourism through its “Goa Beyond Beaches” initiative, focusing on People, Economy, and Environment. One highlight is the newly launched Ekadasha Teertha spiritual circuit, connecting 11 historic temples via themed routes.
Major infrastructure projects include:
- Unity Mall, Chimbel (₹161 crore)
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum, Ponda (₹125 crore)
These are backed by central schemes like Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD.
September will see the launch of World Tourism Month, turning the monsoon into a vibrant cultural season. Traditional festivals like Shigmo, Chikhal Kalo, and Carnival are also being revived.
To improve safety and visitor experience, Goa has introduced:
- A 1364 tourist helpline
- Beach Vigil App
- Enhanced lifeguard and police presence
- Crackdowns on touts (318 booked this year)
- Measures to tackle stray dog issues in tourist areas
Tourism Minister Khaunte also emphasized the government’s focus on quality tourism, supported by real-time data from the new TIME system, currently covering 25% of hospitality units.
Rohan A. Khaunte said, “Goa’s tourism is evolving. It’s no longer just about the beaches — it’s about culture, spirituality, nature, and meaningful experiences.”
