Goa seeks Centre's nod for visa-on-arrival, open sky benefits to boost air connectivity

Panaji: Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Monday met Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Delhi and sought the Centre's support for measures aimed at strengthening the coastal state's domestic and international air connectivity.

During the meeting with the Union Tourism and Culture minister, Khaunte proposed extending the visa-on-arrival facility to both Manohar International Airport at Mopa and Goa International Airport at Dabolim to make international travel to the state more convenient, according to an official statement.

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Khaunte also urged the Centre to extend 'open sky' policy benefits to Goa to encourage more international airline operations and improve direct connectivity with overseas markets, it added.

The two leaders discussed increasing flight capacity on key domestic routes connecting Goa with major Indian cities to support year-round tourism in the state.

Khaunte also requested the Union government to designate Goa as a Point of Call for priority international markets, particularly Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), to facilitate direct international air connectivity and tap new tourism source markets, the statement said.

Speaking after the meeting, Khaunte said enhanced domestic and international connectivity, improved ease of travel and stronger destination promotion were essential as Goa transitions towards a high-value, year-round tourism model.

"Goa has diversified beyond beach tourism and now offers wellness, heritage, culture, adventure, MICE and regenerative tourism experiences," he said.

The meeting also focused on aligning Goa's long-term tourism strategy with the Centre's national tourism priorities and strengthening the state's position as a leading global tourism destination, the statement added.