Goa is banking on new international flight connections to accelerate its tourism sector growth, according to state Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte. Speaking on the sidelines of a tourism summit, Khaunte emphasized that the government is actively working with airlines to expand direct connectivity to key source markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
New Routes on the Horizon
The minister revealed that several carriers have expressed interest in launching flights to Goa from destinations such as London, Frankfurt, Dubai, and Singapore. These routes are expected to operate within the next six to twelve months, subject to regulatory approvals. Currently, Goa receives international flights primarily from the UK, Russia, and select Gulf countries via Dabolim and the new Mopa airport.
Investor Confidence in Hospitality Sector
Khaunte noted that the hospitality industry in Goa is witnessing robust investor interest, particularly in the four-star and five-star segments. Several global hotel chains are exploring opportunities to set up properties in the state, driven by the government's tourism-friendly policies and infrastructure upgrades.
“We are seeing strong demand from investors for luxury and mid-scale hotels. The new airport at Mopa has opened up the northern part of the state, and we expect significant capacity addition in the coming years,” Khaunte said.
Infrastructure and Policy Support
The state government has introduced incentives for hotel projects, including streamlined approval processes and tax benefits for new developments. Additionally, the expansion of the Mopa airport and the proposed Konkan Railway connectivity projects are expected to ease access for tourists.
Goa's tourism sector, which contributes nearly 40% to the state's economy, is recovering strongly post-pandemic. The minister expressed optimism that the combination of new air links and enhanced infrastructure will help Goa regain its position as a top global leisure destination.
