Team Goemkarponn
Panjim: The Government of Goa presented its forward-looking tourism strategy at the National Tourism Ministers’ Conference held in Udaipur, Rajasthan, on October 14 and 15, 2025. Representing the state, Minister for Tourism Rohan A. Khaunte participated in the two-day national conference organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, which brought together Tourism Ministers, Secretaries, and senior officials from across the country. The event was graced by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism. Khaunte was accompanied by Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, and Shawn Mendes, OSD to the Minister for Tourism.
The conference served as a key platform to discuss national frameworks for the ‘Development of 50 Tourist Destinations’, ‘Performance Linked Incentive (PLI)’, and the Integrated Tourism Promotion Scheme (ITPS) — all aimed at positioning India as a global tourism powerhouse through coordinated policy action between the Centre and States.
Speaking at the conference, Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte emphasized Goa’s tourism vision rooted in regenerative and sustainable practices that balance economic development with environmental preservation and community well-being. “This marks a strong beginning to the 2025–26 tourism season. Goa is expanding its international connectivity and diversifying its offerings through destination development projects in Pernem and Canacona, which will redefine our tourism landscape. With a technology-driven approach to tourist safety and a visitor-first mindset, we aim to deliver transformative experiences guided by the philosophy of Atithi Devo Bhava,” he stated.
Goa’s presentation highlighted two transformative tourism projects — the Mega Performance Arena at Mandrem (Pernem) and the Lord Parshuram Statue and Museum with the Lifescape Project at Loliem (Canacona). These flagship initiatives are designed to enhance visitor experiences, generate employment, and strengthen Goa’s position as a premier global tourism destination.
The Mega Performance Arena, a world-class 20,000-seat multi-purpose venue, will serve as a major hub for international concerts, conventions, and cultural events, unlocking Pernem’s potential as North Goa’s tourism gateway. The Lord Parshuram Statue and Museum, together with the Lifescape Project, will celebrate Goa’s mythological and cultural heritage, offering immersive storytelling zones, scenic viewpoints, and curated exhibits — creating a landmark destination for hinterland tourism in South Goa under the “Goa Beyond Beaches” initiative.
Director of Tourism Kedar Naik remarked, “The Udaipur conference was an excellent opportunity to align Goa’s regenerative tourism model with national goals. Our focus remains on developing Goa as a year-round experiential tourism destination by integrating infrastructure enhancement, heritage conservation, and digital innovation. Projects like the Mega Performance Arena and the Lord Parshuram Statue & Museum will not only boost local economies but also elevate Goa’s global appeal.”
During the plenary sessions, Goa outlined its long-term tourism vision built around regenerative, sustainable, and community-led growth. The state’s strategy emphasized key focus areas including infrastructure improvement, connectivity, cultural preservation, technology integration, and enriched visitor experience.
Goa’s presentation also spotlighted the strong start to the 2025–26 tourism season, with the arrival of the first charter flight and a sharp rise in international connectivity. The introduction of three new weekly flights from Novosibirsk to Mopa Airport and nine weekly Aeroflot flights from Moscow, Yekaterinburg, and Novosibirsk have strengthened Goa’s presence in the Russian market. Additionally, charter flights from Kazakhstan starting October 25, 2025, are set to open a new source market for inbound tourism.
The state further reiterated its commitment to diversifying its tourism portfolio around seven key pillars — Eco & Nature-Based Tourism, Goan Backwaters, Heritage & Culture, MICE Tourism, Adventure Tourism, Leisure & Entertainment, and Spiritual, Wellness & Medical Tourism. Goa also emphasized its efforts toward technology-enabled tourist safety, ensuring a seamless and secure travel experience for visitors.
Through its participation at the National Tourism Ministers’ Conference, Goa reaffirmed its position as a key stakeholder in shaping India’s tourism future. By championing regenerative tourism and strengthening collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and other States, Goa aims to build a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism ecosystem that drives sustainable growth and enhances India’s standing on the world tourism map.
