Team Goemkarponn
NEW DELHI: The Goa government has renewed its efforts to improve international access to the State by requesting the Centre to introduce a Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) facility at both Manohar International Airport in Mopa and Goa International Airport in Dabolim.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte raised the proposal during a meeting with Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, highlighting the need to simplify travel procedures for overseas visitors. According to the minister, extending the VoA facility to Goa would place the State alongside other Indian airports that already offer the service and make travel more convenient for international tourists.
Besides the visa proposal, the State also sought the extension of the Open Sky policy to Goa. The government believes the move would encourage more international airlines to operate direct flights, improve global connectivity and support the growth of the tourism sector.
The discussions also covered the need to increase flight frequencies on major domestic routes linking Goa with key cities across the country, with the aim of improving year-round accessibility for travellers.
Another proposal placed before the Centre was to recognise Goa as a Point of Call for priority overseas markets, particularly Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The State hopes this would attract direct international flights and help tap into emerging tourism markets.
Khaunte said the meeting focused on aligning Goa’s tourism roadmap with the Centre’s broader vision for the sector. He added that better connectivity, easier travel processes and stronger destination promotion are essential for positioning Goa as a high-value, year-round destination.
The minister also emphasised that Goa’s tourism offerings now extend well beyond its beaches, with the State promoting wellness, heritage, cultural experiences, adventure tourism, MICE tourism and regenerative tourism as part of its long-term strategy.
