One of India’s popular tourist states, Goa is working towards promoting its diverse tourism experiences and growing the sector in a sustainable manner. Traditionally, the destination has been majorly popular for its sun, sand and beaches, however, the state’s tourism department is now focusing on segments like rural, adventure, nature trails, wellness, festivals, history and culture to name a few.
“Goan beaches are very famous but we are keen to showcase different tourism aspects of the destination. We want tourists to explore the hidden gems of Goa. From hinterlands to natural splendours like Caranzol Talyar waterfall, Goa offers diverse tourism experiences. In fact, we want to create different tourist circuits in the state,” said Suneel Anchipaka, director, department of tourism, government of Goa.
The department of tourism, government of Goa organised the fourth edition of Goa International Travel Mart (GITM) 2024 from April 3 to 4 at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium to showcase to both domestic and international buyers its diverse offerings and sustainability efforts. The event recorded a turnout of 65 international buyers and 80 domestic buyers. The international buyers represented both key and emerging markets including Germany, the UAE, Italy, Norway, Thailand, Czech Republic, the UK, the US, Zimbabwe, Finland, Nepal, Kuwait, South Africa, Spain, France, Turkey, Slovakia, the Netherlands, Belgium, Russian Federation, Vietnam, Kenya, Oman, Bahrain, Hungary, Australia, South Korea and Singapore. Through a panel discussion at the event, the state highlighted its regenerative tourism efforts.
“We are the first Indian state to come-up with a ‘regenerative tourism’ model wherein we are implementing sustainable practices at “Ekadasha Teertha” (11 spiritual sites). The idea is not only to preserve cultural heritage of these sites and promote them, but also involve communities in sustainability efforts,” said Anchipaka.
The tourism department on the sidelines of the GITM signed MoUs with companies like Agoda and Mastercard to highlight its lesser explored tourism products. Goa will be utilising Mastercard’s ‘priceless’ platform to craft unique travel experiences for travellers coming to the state. As per the partnership with Agoda, the digital platform will showcase Goa’s diverse holiday offerings and attractions to its global network of travellers.
“Post Covid, we have seen a strong demand for experiential travel. It is good to see that Goa’s government is working towards promoting aspects like home stays, adventure, heritage etc. Tour operators in the state have already come up with packages that allow travellers to immerse themselves in unique experiences. Also, awareness about new products and experiences will translate into tourists staying for a longer duration,” said Nilesh Shah, president, Travel & Tourism Association of Goa.
As per Goa’s government statistics, the tourism arrivals in the state surpassed pre-pandemic levels last year with around 8.4 million tourist arrivals overall, recording a growth of 17.9 per cent over the previous level.
“Goa has experienced a robust surge in demand from the domestic market. Both airports in the region are bustling with domestic travellers, reflecting a significant uptick in internal tourism. This growth has played a crucial role in offsetting the slower recovery of international tourism to the area,” added Shah.
In fact, there has been a decline in international air charter business to Goa in the past due to global scenarios like the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Russia has been a key market for air charter international tourist arrivals in Goa. As per industry players, pre-pandemic Goa used to receive six charter flights a day. The state is presently receiving five to six charter flights a week.
“The positive thing is that there is an increase in air charter business from the UK to Goa. Last year we had two flights a week. This year we are seeing four charter flights a week from the UK. There is one operator who is looking to tie up with Air India to operate charter flights from the UK to Goa. We have tied up with a company in Poland, which is going to come up with charters to Goa once a week from Warsaw from the coming inbound season beginning from October right up to the end of March,” said Ernest Dias, chief operating officer, SITA.
Goa government is also talking to airlines in South-east Asian markets to operate direct flights to Goa so as to increase international tourist arrivals from the neighbouring markets.
“Direct air connectivity is key to increasing international tourist arrivals. We recently held discussion with Malaysia-based Batik Air to operate direct flights to Goa. We are also looking to have some joint promotions with Malaysia tourism,” said Mark Mendes, member of the Goa Tourism Board.
