Goa Rolls Out ₹350 Cr Tourism Upgrade Plan
Goa is undergoing a significant transformation in its tourism sector with ₹350 crore worth of development projects underway, as announced by Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte in the State Legislative Assembly. The plan includes improvements to infrastructure, expansion of international connectivity, and diversification beyond Goa’s beach offerings.
From January to June 2025, Goa recorded 5.45 million tourist arrivals — 5.18 million domestic and 0.27 million international — reflecting an 8.4% year-on-year increase. June alone saw 8.34 lakh visitors, driven by events such as São João, forest stays, and creek tours. Hotel occupancy during the first half of the year ranged between 70% to 100%.
Khaunte dismissed concerns over tourism decline, noting that Goa had surpassed its pre-COVID-2019 tourist count of 8.06 million. In 2024, the state welcomed 10.4 million tourists — including 9.94 million domestic and 4.67 lakh international visitors — marking significant increases.
Connectivity is a key focus, with the resumption of Goa-Gatwick flights by September-end and Aeroflot starting Yekaterinburg-Goa flights in October. Over 13,000 Russian visitors are expected this season, with additional links planned with Poland, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Goa is also engaging in international promotional efforts, including the ‘Chalo India’ campaign.
The state is pioneering regenerative tourism under the “Goa Beyond Beaches” initiative, focusing on the pillars of People, Economy, and Environment. Initiatives such as the Ekadasha Teertha spiritual tourism circuit, supported by GTDC buses and shared facilities at key temples, aim to diversify visitor experiences.
Tourism infrastructure is being strengthened through projects under Central Government schemes such as Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD. Two notable developments are the ₹161 crore Unity Mall in Chimbel and the ₹125 crore Digital Museum in Ponda, both in progress.
World Tourism Day celebrations in September will be expanded into a state-wide festival month. Traditional events like São João, Sangodd, Shigmo, and Chikhal Kalo are receiving active support. The 2025 São João festival in Siolim drew about 10,000 attendees, while Chikhal Kalo in Marcel attracted 9,000 visitors.
Efforts to improve tourist safety include the 1364 helpline, the Beach Vigil App, lifeguard deployment, and beach policing. Enforcement against touts has increased, with 318 cases registered between January and July 2025. Stray animal issues are being addressed in collaboration with local bodies.
Shack operators are being consulted for regulatory improvements, and high hotel occupancy indicates a shift toward value-focused tourism. The TIME system currently tracks 25% of registered accommodation units, with full adoption underway.
Minister Khaunte concluded that tourism in Goa now encompasses cultural, spiritual, and nature-based experiences — a direction supported by both state and central governments through the ₹350 crore transformation plan.
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