Goa to Undergo Rs 350 Crore Tourism Transformation: Minister Rohan Khaunte Outlines Vision in Assembly
Porvorim, July 29: Goa is set for a major transformation in its tourism sector with Rs 350 crore worth of development projects underway, Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte announced in the State Legislative Assembly today. Responding to the demands for grants for the Department of Tourism, the Minister presented a comprehensive vision for tourism that aims to boost infrastructure, expand international connectivity, and promote Goa beyond its beaches.
Minister Khaunte emphasized that the government is adopting a long-term and strategic approach, stating that major results will take time but positive changes are already visible. He revealed that from January to June 2025, Goa recorded 5.45 million tourist arrivals — including 5.18 million domestic and 0.27 million international tourists — reflecting an 8.4% year-on-year growth. In June alone, tourist arrivals reached 8.34 lakh, boosted by cultural events such as the São João celebrations, forest stay experiences, and creek tours. Hotel occupancy during the first half of the year ranged between 70% to 100%, underscoring high tourism demand.
The Minister dismissed claims of a drop in tourism, presenting official figures to show that Goa has surpassed its pre-COVID numbers. In 2019, Goa welcomed 8.06 million tourists. In 2024, the number rose to 10.4 million, including nearly 9.94 million domestic tourists and over 4.67 lakh international visitors — marking a 39.5% rise in domestic and 50% growth in international tourism compared to pre-COVID levels.
Connectivity, Khaunte said, is the real gamechanger. He confirmed that direct flights between Goa and Gatwick (UK) will resume by the end of September. Starting October 5, Aeroflot will launch three weekly flights from Yekaterinburg, Russia to Goa’s Mopa Airport, with 210 passengers per flight, expected to bring over 13,000 plus Russian tourists this season. New air links with countries like Poland, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan are also contributing to the rise in international visitors. Goa is actively participating in global roadshows and tourism promotions, including the Prime Minister’s ‘Chalo India’ campaign.
The state has become the first in India to adopt regenerative tourism under the “Goa Beyond Beaches” initiative. This approach focuses on three pillars: People, Economy, and Environment, and emphasizes quality tourism over sheer volume. Spiritual tourism is a key part of this vision, with the launch of the Ekadasha Teertha initiative – a spiritual circuit featuring 11 historic temples mapped into three thematic routes. GTDC buses have already been deployed on these routes, and tenders have been floated for developing nine common tourist facilities across these sites.
In terms of tourism infrastructure, Goa is benefiting from Central Government schemes like Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD. Two key projects – the Unity Mall in Chimbel with ₹161 crore sanctioned, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum in Ponda with ₹125 crore allocated (₹98 crore from the Centre) – are set to enhance the state’s cultural offerings. Work on the Unity Mall has already begun, with final design drawings due by July 31.
Minister Khaunte also announced that the World Tourism Day celebrations in September will be extended into a month-long festival, transforming the monsoon season into an engaging and inclusive tourism experience. Events will be hosted across the state under the banner of World Tourism Month. Traditional festivals like São João, Sangodd, Shigmo, Chikhal Kalo, Carnival, Deepotsav, and more are being revived and promoted with government support. The 2025 São João festival in Siolim attracted around 10,000 attendees and 4.4 million online impressions, while the third edition of Chikhal Kalo in Marcel saw over 9,000 visitors.
To improve tourist experience and safety, the state has launched initiatives like the 1364 tourist helpline, the Beach Vigil App, and deployed lifeguards and coastal police. A dedicated beach cleaning agency has also been appointed. Enforcement has been stepped up, with 318 touts booked between January and July 2025, while the Chief Minister has ordered strict action in vulnerable areas like beaches and casino zones. The government is also addressing stray dog issues in tourist areas through coordination with the Panchayats and Animal Husbandry Department.
Shack operators, who play a key role as ambassadors of Goan tourism, are being given attention, with the government exploring regulatory and supportive measures. Restaurant and hotel occupancy across the state remains high, indicating a shift toward attracting higher-spending, quality tourists. Minister Khaunte noted that hotel occupancy data is being collected through the Tourism Information Management Enterprise (TIME) system, which currently covers 25% of registered units, with plans for full implementation.
In conclusion, Minister Khaunte reiterated that Goa’s tourism is not just about beaches anymore. It now includes culture, heritage, spirituality, wellness, and nature-based experiences. “Tourism in Goa is moving in the right direction,” he said, underlining the role of the “Double Engine Sarkar” — the joint efforts of the state and central governments — in delivering ₹350 crore worth of transformative tourism projects.
