PANAJI
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has once again urged the Centre to introduce a Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) facility at Goa’s two airports, amid growing demands from tourism stakeholders to boost international tourist arrivals.
During a meeting with Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi on Monday, Khaunte sought the extension of the VoA facility to both Manohar International Airport, Mopa, and Goa International Airport, Dabolim.
“To further improve ease of travel for international visitors, the meeting discussed extending the VoA facility to both Manohar International Airport and Goa International Airport. This would bring Goa on par with the six airports in India that currently offer the facility and make international travel to the State more convenient,” Khaunte said.
The meeting also discussed extending the benefits of the Open Sky policy to Goa to encourage more international airline operations, improve direct connectivity with overseas destinations and support the State’s long-term tourism growth.
Another proposal was to increase flight capacity on major domestic routes linking Goa with key Indian cities to improve connectivity and support tourism throughout the year.
Goa has also sought the Centre’s support to designate the State as a Point of Call for priority international markets, particularly Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The move is aimed at attracting direct international flights and tapping emerging tourism markets.
“The discussions 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,” Khaunte said.
“As Goa moves towards a high-value, year-round tourism model, better domestic and international connectivity, easier travel and stronger destination promotion are essential 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,” he added, while expressing confidence in the Centre’s continued support.
