Goa is actively pushing the central government to liberalize existing airline agreements, believing this is key to reviving its international tourism sector.
Goa’s Plea for Open Skies
With international tourist arrivals yet to fully rebound, the Goan government has formally requested the Civil Aviation Ministry to implement significant reforms. A core part of this appeal is a relaxation in bilateral agreements for foreign airlines.
Goa advocates for a more liberal “open skies policy.” This would specifically benefit states like Goa that heavily rely on inbound international travelers for their tourism economy.
Unlocking India’s Tourism Potential
Goa’s Tourism Minister, Rohan Khaunte, highlighted the urgency of the situation. He stated that if India is serious about maximizing its tourism potential, an open skies policy should extend beyond major metropolitan cities to include tourism-driven secondary hubs.
“If Goa is to be part of India’s tourism engine, we need to be part of India’s aviation reform agenda,” Khaunte added, emphasizing the state’s role in the national tourism landscape.
Current Challenges and Dire Statistics
Goa currently manages around 160 flights per day, but only a small fraction of these are international. The state has also witnessed a substantial reduction in charter flights, a decline that began even before the pandemic and worsened significantly afterward.
Last year, Goa welcomed approximately 10 million travelers. However, a staggering 9.5 million were domestic tourists, with international visitors accounting for only half a million. This concerning disparity has prompted the state government to urgently call for aviation reforms.
Key Demands for Connectivity
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte have personally conveyed Goa’s concerns and proposals to the Centre. Their key demands include a recalibration of bilateral agreements to facilitate long-haul connectivity.
They are particularly focused on re-establishing and enhancing direct links to Goa’s traditional “winter sun markets” in the EU, UK, and Nordic regions. Furthermore, they seek strategic engagement with West Asian aviation hubs, viewing them as crucial “aviation bridges” to connect more international tourists to the state.
- Goa is urging the Centre to relax international airline agreements.
- The state wants an “open skies” policy specifically for tourism-dependent regions.
- The goal is to significantly boost international tourist arrivals, which are currently low.
- Increased direct flights to Europe and engagement with West Asian hubs are key priorities.
These proposed changes are seen as vital steps for Goa to reclaim its status as a premier international tourist destination and contribute more robustly to India’s overall tourism growth.
