Panaji, 1st November, 2025: Goa’s tourism sector has recorded significant growth as the State ushers in the new tourism season 2025–26. Addressing the media, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, announced that tourist arrivals have increased notably from January to September 2025 compared to the same period last year. Both domestic and international arrivals have risen, reaffirming Goa’s position as one of India’s most sought-after travel destinations.

The Minister noted that tourism continues to be a vital contributor to Goa’s economy, accounting for a major share of the State’s GDP and generating substantial direct and indirect employment. He also highlighted that, for the first time, the State witnessed growth during the monsoon months a clear indicator of the success of initiatives promoting year-round tourism.

The press conference was attended by Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik; General Manager (Hotels & Marketing), GTDC, Shri Gavin Dias; and Deputy General Manager (Hotels & Marketing), GTDC, Shri Deepak Narvekar.

Highlighting international developments, Shri Khaunte shared that Goa has expanded its reach to new destinations such as Ekaterinburg, Kazakhstan, Novosibirsk, and Moscow, resulting in several charter flights from Russia and Central Asia in October 2025 alone. He also announced that TUI Airways, a leading UK-based charter company, will soon commence direct flights from Manchester and Gatwick, bringing in thousands of travellers. Efforts are also underway to strengthen Goa’s presence in emerging markets like Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.

Emphasizing the importance of responsible tourism, the Minister urged all stakeholders to help preserve Goa’s image as a sustainable and quality destination. He noted that, for the first time, beach shacks began operations ahead of the season, while watersports operators received timely permissions under improved regulation. Licenses of several shack operators were cancelled for violations, underscoring the Department’s commitment to transparency and compliance.

Shri Khaunte further revealed that the Department will soon notify the Aerosports Policy and Wellness Tourism Policy to strengthen the “Goa Beyond Beaches” initiative. Through Eco Tourism Goa, the State is promoting MICE, wedding, adventure, and wellness tourism—along with homestays and women-led enterprises—under an inclusive tourism framework.

To enhance compliance in the hospitality sector, a verification drive has been launched to identify and regularize hotels registered under incorrect categories. Hotel registration and renewal processes are now fully online, ensuring greater ease of doing business.

In a move to empower Goans, the Minister announced two new initiatives: a Certified Tourism Facilitator Programme, with trained guides already operational across the State, and a Photography Registration System introducing mandatory ID cards to prevent irregular practices on beaches. A new scheme exclusively for Goan residents (Niz Goenkars) will soon be launched to promote local entrepreneurship among beach photographers.

Acknowledging support from the Central Government, Shri Khaunte noted that significant funding has been sanctioned for major tourism projects, including Swadesh Darshan, Town Square, Unity Mall, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum. He also highlighted plans to develop a concert economy as a new vertical to enhance tourism infrastructure and create a vibrant entertainment legacy for the State.

Concluding the address, the Minister emphasized that Goa’s tourism story is now focused on collaboration, responsibility, and innovation. With new policies, partnerships, and inclusive initiatives, the Government aims to ensure sustainable and holistic growth for Goa’s tourism sector.