PANAJI
Goa Tourism has said it is preparing for a stronger international charter season, including from new destinations this year, with flights from traditional overseas markets scheduled to resume from October and continue till April 2027.
The 2026-27 charter season will see operations from established markets such as the United Kingdom, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Poland. At the same time, discussions are underway to introduce charter flights from Belarus, Armenia, Moldova, and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, as part of efforts to broaden Goa's international tourism base.
Tourism operators expect a rise in foreign arrivals during the season. Officials said that Concord Exotic Voyages, one of Goa's oldest international charter operators, expects to bring more than 45,000 tourists from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region. The company plans to operate six charter flights a week from Russia, with the possibility of increasing services to nine flights a week depending on demand. It will also operate two weekly flights from Kazakhstan, with additional frequencies during the peak winter months.
From UK, TUI will operate four charter flights every week between November and March -- two each from Manchester and London Gatwick -- carrying around 1,200 visitors weekly.
Sita Travels and Thomas Cook India also confirmed charter operations from mid-October till April, covering UK, Russia, Kazakhstan and Poland. The companies expect tourist arrivals to be about 10 per cent higher than last season.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said the response from international charter operators is indicative of growing global confidence in Goa as a high-quality, year-round tourism destination. “Our focus on diversifying tourism beyond beaches through heritage, spirituality, wellness, adventure, hinterland experiences and sustainable tourism is resonating with international travellers,” he said.
The minister added that interest from new source markets would help expand Goa's global tourism footprint while strengthening international air connectivity and supporting sustainable growth in the tourism sector.
Tourism Director Kedar Naik said they will continue working closely with airlines, charter operators, travel trade partners and tourism stakeholders to strengthen connectivity further, enhance visitor experiences and promote Goa across key global markets.
The Department expects the upcoming season to provide a boost to hotels, transport operators, local guides, adventure tourism businesses and other tourism-linked enterprises across Goa during the peak winter months.
