In a strategic move to diversify its tourism offerings and increase tourist arrivals, Goa is set to promote MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions), spiritual tourism, sports-based travel, and wellness tourism, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced during a high-level meeting with tourism stakeholders.
Sawant said the state is witnessing a robust inflow of tourists, even during the monsoon season, and aims to sustain this momentum by focusing on these emerging tourism verticals. He emphasized that a concentrated effort from the government will ensure continued growth in visitor numbers while enhancing the overall travel experience in Goa.
To further elevate the state’s appeal, the government is working on key infrastructure and service enhancements. This includes improving high-speed internet connectivity, streamlining transportation logistics, and rolling out the ‘Clean and Green Goa’ initiative to create a more tourist-friendly environment.
The chief minister made these remarks while chairing an inter-departmental coordination meeting with officials and representatives from the tourism and hospitality sectors. During the session, he acknowledged the concerns raised by industry stakeholders and assured that the state will address long-standing issues such as:
- Delays in trade licence renewals
- Limited operational hours for businesses
- Infrastructure bottlenecks
- Insufficient aviation connectivity
He also pledged that these issues would be resolved within a month through coordinated efforts between departments.
In addition, Sawant revealed that the government is actively pursuing improvements in international connectivity. This includes lobbying for visa-on-arrival facilities for select countries and boosting international airline access to Goa in coordination with the Government of India and the Prime Minister’s Office.
The new initiatives form part of Goa’s broader vision to emerge as a year-round, multifaceted tourism destination that appeals to both domestic and international travelers.
(Photo courtesy: Freepik)