Goa is once again urging the Central government to include its airport in the visa-on-arrival scheme, aiming to boost international tourism and streamline entry for visitors.
Making Travel Easier for Goa-Bound Tourists
Goa’s Tourism Minister, Rohan A. Khaunte, has renewed the state’s request for visa-on-arrival facilities. This move is designed to make it much simpler for international travelers to visit the popular coastal destination.
Currently, India offers visa-on-arrival to citizens from only four countries: Japan, South Korea, the UAE, and Russia. This facility is limited to six major metro airports across the country, none of which are in Goa. Despite its rising global popularity and improved flight connections, Goa remains excluded from this list.
High-Level Discussions Underway
Minister Khaunte highlighted that this issue has been formally raised with the Union Civil Aviation Minister. Plans are also in motion to discuss the matter with the Union Home Minister and continue correspondence with the Ministry of External Affairs.
Khaunte acknowledged that implementing visa-on-arrival at Goa’s airport presents operational challenges. However, he believes a collaborative approach with all relevant parties can lead to a balanced and effective solution. Further discussions are planned with the Chief Minister and other departments post the Assembly session.
Tapping into New Tourist Markets
The push for easier visa access comes as Goa experiences a noticeable increase in visitors from non-traditional markets. Countries like Poland, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan are now contributing significantly to Goa’s tourist numbers.
This growth is a direct result of sustained international outreach and targeted promotional events. Goa has been actively repositioning itself in these emerging travel circuits, attracting a more diverse range of international guests.
Data-Driven Tourism Management
To support its strategic planning, Goa’s Department of Tourism is utilizing its “Tourism Information Management Enterprise” (TIME) platform. This system is crucial for collecting real-time data on hotel occupancy and visitor arrivals.
All registered accommodation providers in Goa are mandated to use the TIME platform to record check-ins and submit occupancy details. This integration of data analytics helps the state track tourism trends and design interventions that align with evolving demand, ensuring smarter tourism development.
- Goa seeks inclusion in India’s visa-on-arrival program to ease entry for international tourists.
- Current visa-on-arrival is limited to four countries and six metro airports, excluding Goa.
- Goa is seeing increased tourist arrivals from new markets like Poland, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
- The state uses its TIME platform for real-time data on hotel occupancy and visitor arrivals, aiding policy decisions.
The ongoing efforts underscore Goa’s commitment to enhancing its appeal as a premier international travel destination, adapting to global tourism trends and traveler needs.
