Khaunte was speaking at a press conference, and added that tourism continues to contribute around 16.43% to Goa’s GDP and generates 40 – 45% of direct and indirect employment opportunities. The minister further stated that, for the first time, Goa had recorded growth during the monsoon months, which indicates the success of initiatives to promote year-round tourism.
The event was also attended by Director of Tourism, Kedar Naik; General Manager (Hotels & Marketing), GTDC, Gavin Dias; and Deputy General Manager (Hotels & Marketing), GTDC, Deepak Narvekar.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS
Highlighting international developments, Khaunte said that despite limited air capacity, Goa had expanded its reach to new destinations such as Ekaterinburg, Kazakhstan, Novosibirsk and Moscow, resulting in 34 charter flights from Russia and Central Asia in October 2025 alone.
He added that TUI Airways, a leading UK-based charter company, will soon commence direct flights from Manchester and Gatwick, with an expected inflow of 30,000 – 40,000 travellers. He also stated that we (Tourism Department) are looking at strengthening Goa’s presence in newer markets including Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.
STAKEHOLDER STATUS
Emphasising the need for responsible tourism, the minister said that all stakeholders must contribute towards maintaining Goa’s image as a sustainable and quality destination. He mentioned that for the first time since last year, shacks had begun operations well before the start of the season, while watersports operators had received timely permissions supported by improved regulations.
In 2025, the licenses of 6 shack operators were cancelled for sub-letting, highlighting the department’s commitment to transparency and compliance, he mentioned.
INITIATIVES AND MORE
Khaunte informed that the department would soon notify the Aerosports Policy and Wellness Tourism Policy to further strengthen the ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’ initiative. He said that through eco-tourism, Goa is highlighting MICE, wedding, adventure and wellness tourism, which complement homestays and promote women-led enterprises under the inclusive tourism framework.
He also highlighted the department’s efforts to curb illegal touting and ensure compliance within the hospitality sector. A verification drive has been initiated for hotels registered under incorrect categories, and hoteliers have been urged to regularise their registrations. The minister noted that hotel registrations and renewals can now be done online to facilitate ease of doing business.
To empower Goans, the minister announced two new initiatives — a Certified Tourism Facilitator Programme, under which 72 certified facilitators/guides are already operational, and a photography registration system introducing mandatory ID cards to prevent irregular practices at the beaches.
He added that a new scheme exclusively for Goan residents (niz Goenkars) working as beach photographers will soon be launched to promote local entrepreneurship.
Highlighting support from the Central Government, Khaunte said that Rs 472 crore had been sanctioned in recent years for major tourism projects including Swadesh Darshan, Town Square, Unity Mall, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial.
Moving forward, he said that Goa aimed to develop a concert economy as a new vertical to strengthen tourism infrastructure and create a vibrant entertainment legacy for the state.
In conclusion, the minister said that the department was moving from enforcement to empowerment and that Goa’s tourism story was driven by collaboration, responsibility and innovation. With new policies, partnerships and inclusive initiatives, the government aimed to ensure sustainable and holistic growth for Goa’s tourism sector.
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