Goa anticipates strong charter season with new markets

Goa's tourism department is optimistic about a strong upcoming charter tourist season, expecting a notable increase in arrivals. The state is actively cultivating new international source markets, aiming to broaden its global tourism reach. Veteran operators are returning, and discussions are underway to introduce charter operations from new regions including Belarus, Armenia, Moldova, and Bishkek.

Minister Rohan Khaunte expressed encouragement over the emergence of these new markets. International visitors arriving by charter typically stay for 10 to 14 nights, significantly longer than the 3-4 nights domestic tourists spend. This extended stay pattern is crucial for boosting the local economy.

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Our objective is not only to increase arrivals but also to encourage longer stays and greater exploration of Goa’s diverse tourism offerings.

Long-standing operators like Concord Exotic Voyages are projecting substantial tourist numbers, with plans for daily flights from Russia and multiple weekly flights from Kazakhstan. These operations are set to increase during the peak winter months.

While recent figures show growth compared to the previous year, they still lag behind pre-COVID levels. In 2017, Goa welcomed over 249,000 foreign tourists via charter flights. The tourism department is committed to working with stakeholders to enhance connectivity, improve visitor experiences, and promote Goa globally, with a focus on encouraging longer stays and deeper exploration of the state's offerings.

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Our department was encouraged by the emergence of new source markets which present significant opportunities to expand Goa’s global tourism footprint.