Category: Travel

Travel

Goa’s Tourism Shines with 6.23% Growth; Domestic and International Arrivals Surge in 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa’s tourism industry has recorded a remarkable surge this year, reaffirming its position as one of India’s leading travel destinations. From January to September 2025, the state achieved an overall 6.23% increase in tourist arrivals compared to the same period last year. Domestic arrivals rose from 69,24,938 in 2024 to 72,96,068 in 2025, marking a 5.36% increase, while international arrivals grew significantly by 29.33%, climbing from 2,59,820 to 3,36,031 visitors. Tourism continues to play a major role in Goa’s economy, contributing around 16.43% to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and generating nearly 40–45% of direct and indirect employment.

Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte noted that Goa’s consistent performance, even during the monsoon months, demonstrates the success of year-round tourism initiatives. He praised the growing international reach of Goa’s tourism, with charter flights arriving from destinations such as Ekaterinburg, Kazakhstan, Novosibirsk, and Moscow, totaling 34 flights from Russia and Central Asia in October 2025 alone. TUI Airways is also set to begin direct flights from Manchester and Gatwick, expected to bring an additional 30,000–40,000 travellers to Goa.

The Minister emphasized the importance of responsible tourism, stating that sustainability and quality remain central to Goa’s vision. Shacks began operations earlier this season, and watersports operators received timely permissions under improved regulations. He also confirmed that six shack operators lost their licenses this year for sub-letting, underscoring the Department’s commitment to transparency.

To further strengthen Goa’s tourism ecosystem, new policies are on the horizon. The upcoming Aerosports Policy and Wellness Tourism Policy aim to promote adventure, MICE, wedding, and wellness tourism under the “Goa Beyond Beaches” initiative. These efforts will support women-led enterprises and community-driven tourism. Simultaneously, the Department is cracking down on illegal touting and ensuring hospitality compliance through hotel verification drives and fully online registration systems for ease of doing business.

Empowering Goans remains at the heart of these initiatives. The Certified Tourism Facilitator Programme has already certified 72 guides, while a new ID-based registration system for beach photographers aims to prevent irregularities. A dedicated scheme for local photographers, “Niz Goenkars,” will soon be launched to encourage homegrown entrepreneurship.

Highlighting support from the Central Government, Shri Khaunte announced that ₹472 crore has been sanctioned for key tourism projects including Swadesh Darshan, Town Square, Unity Mall, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum. Looking ahead, Goa plans to develop a vibrant “concert economy” to enhance entertainment infrastructure and promote cultural tourism.

Concluding his address, the Minister said Goa’s tourism story is evolving from “enforcement to empowerment,” driven by collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. With sustained efforts and a shared commitment to responsible travel, Goa aims to solidify its reputation as a premier global destination offering experiences beyond its beaches.

Travel

TUI Airways Launches Direct Charter Flights from the UK to Goa for Winter 2025–26 Season

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Tourism, Goa, is pleased to announce that TUI Airways, a leading charter holiday service provider, will commence direct charter services connecting the United Kingdom to Goa for the Winter 2025–26 season. The flights will operate from Manchester Airport (MAN) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Manohar International Airport (GOX), Mopa, under the supervision of Freedom Holidays Pvt. Ltd.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, stated, “The commencement of TUI Airways’ charter services from the United Kingdom reflects Goa’s strengthening position in the global tourism landscape. Our focus continues to be on creating a regenerative tourism model that balances sustainability, community empowerment, and authentic cultural experiences for every traveller.”

Director of Tourism, Kedar Naik, added, “The Department has collaborated with all stakeholders to ensure seamless facilitation at Mopa Airport. The arrival of charter services from the UK underscores Goa’s readiness to deliver high-quality, responsible, and memorable experiences this winter season.”

Starting 5th November 2025, TUI Airways will operate four weekly flights, totaling 16 flights per month, with 83 flights scheduled for the season, including 17 in December 2025 and 18 in January 2026. This partnership highlights Goa’s increasing prominence as a preferred destination for long-haul international travellers.

The Department of Tourism will extend full support to ensure passengers enjoy a warm welcome and smooth travel experience. With its diverse tourism offerings, world-class hospitality, and commitment to sustainable development, Goa is ready to provide visitors from the UK a remarkable and unforgettable winter holiday.

Travel

Uttar Pradesh to Unveil Its First Glass Skywalk Bridge at Tulsi Waterfall in Chitrakoot

Tanisha Cardozo

Uttar Pradesh is set to open its first-ever glass skywalk bridge at the scenic Tulsi Waterfall in Chitrakoot, a Rs 3.70-crore marvel that fuses modern engineering with timeless spirituality. Shaped like Lord Ram’s bow and arrow, the structure symbolizes strength, precision, and divinity while offering visitors a thrilling and immersive experience above one of Bundelkhand’s most serene landscapes.

The skywalk, made from a fusion of glass and steel, stands as both a tribute to the region’s mythological legacy and a bold step in eco-tourism development. Officials from the Chitrakoot district administration have confirmed that the bridge was inspired by Bihar’s Rajgir Glass Bridge but features a unique design tailored to the cultural ethos of Chitrakoot — the land where Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman are believed to have spent years during their exile.

“This bridge is a blend of spirituality and modern architecture,” said a senior official from the Forest and Tourism Department. “Our goal is to develop Chitrakoot as a model for faith-based eco-tourism, allowing visitors to experience both natural beauty and cultural heritage.”

The transparent glass panels of the bridge offer a 360-degree view of the three-tiered Tulsi Waterfall — once known as Shabari Waterfall — which was renamed to honour Goswami Tulsidas, the saint-poet who composed the Ramcharitmanas and was born nearby in Rajapur. The area surrounding the waterfall has been transformed into Kodand Van, an eco-park named after Lord Ram’s bow, featuring walking trails, viewing decks, and meditation zones.

Chitrakoot Divisional Forest Officer S.K. Chaudhary described the experience as both thrilling and tranquil. “Standing on the glass deck, visitors will feel as if they are floating above the waterfall. It’s an unmatched experience of peace and exhilaration,” he said.

Constructed by Ghazipur-based Pawan Sut Construction Company, the bridge extends 25 metres into the gorge and spans 35 metres between its two pillars. It has been engineered to withstand a load of up to 500 kg per square metre, ensuring maximum safety even during peak tourist hours. Reinforced steel frames and multi-layered laminated glass panels have been used to ensure durability against environmental and temperature challenges.

“Safety has been our top priority,” said project engineer Pramod Mishra. “Each component has been tested to international standards. The structure is designed to be both aesthetically striking and sustainable in an eco-sensitive area.”

The glass bridge is part of a wider effort by the Uttar Pradesh government to promote sustainable tourism in Bundelkhand. Additional amenities, including a herbal garden, open-air park, and food court, are being developed near the waterfall to enhance the visitor experience while maintaining ecological balance. The project also integrates local communities by generating employment opportunities for guides, artisans, and small business owners.

Authorities are implementing eco-friendly measures such as solar-powered lighting, controlled vehicle access, and comprehensive waste management to ensure the site remains environmentally responsible. “Our approach is to balance development with conservation,” DFO Chaudhary emphasized.

The bridge is expected to be inaugurated soon after the Lok Sabha elections and is already being hailed as a future landmark for Uttar Pradesh. Once open, it is expected to attract both domestic and international tourists, boosting faith-based and adventure tourism in the region.

Tourism officials are planning a series of cultural festivals, eco-camps, and local food fairs to establish Chitrakoot as a year-round destination. “This project will put Chitrakoot firmly on the national tourism map,” said an official from the tourism department.

For centuries, Chitrakoot has been celebrated as the confluence of devotion and nature — a sacred land immortalized in scriptures and songs. With the unveiling of the glass skywalk, the district now embraces a new identity: a place where heritage meets innovation. The shimmering bridge above the Tulsi Waterfall stands as a symbol of Uttar Pradesh’s evolving vision — a state that honours its sacred past while stepping confidently into the future.

Travel

Goa Welcomes First Charter Flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan for 2025–26 Tourism Season

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa Tourism welcomed the first charter flight of the 2025–26 season from Almaty, Kazakhstan, on 25th October 2025, marking the beginning of a promising new tourism season. Operated by SCAT Airlines (Flight SCAT VSV5212), the flight arrived at Dabolim Airport, South Goa, at 5:30 AM, bringing enthusiastic travellers eager to explore Goa’s diverse offerings beyond its famous beaches.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, noted that the arrival of the first charter flight from Kazakhstan demonstrates Goa’s growing international connectivity and appeal as a global destination. Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added that each new charter flight strengthens Goa’s position as a preferred leisure destination, thanking travel partners and stakeholders for their support in promoting seamless operations at Dabolim and Mopa airports.

To mark the occasion, the Department of Tourism, in collaboration with Concord Exotic Voyages and TTAG, organized a warm and festive welcome for the guests, featuring a brass band performance, floral garlands, and a cake-cutting ceremony. The inaugural flight signals the start of a season expected to see several charter operations from other international destinations in the coming weeks. Goa Tourism continues to enhance visitor experiences through cultural, adventure, wellness, and heritage offerings under the “Goa Beyond Beaches” initiative, reinforcing the state’s position as a world-class leisure destination.

Travel

Spiti Valley Declared India’s First Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO

allycaralgoa

In a landmark announcement at the 37th UNESCO MAB-ICC meeting in Hangzhou, China (Sept 2025), Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh was officially declared India’s first-ever Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

Located at breathtaking altitudes between 3,300 and 6,600 meters, Spiti Valley covers nearly 7,770 square kilometers and is known for its stark beauty, ancient monasteries, and rare biodiversity. The valley’s fragile alpine ecosystem — featuring glaciers, river valleys, and snow-covered peaks — supports endangered species like the Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, and Himalayan Ibex.

Beyond its ecological significance, Spiti is a living museum of Himalayan culture. The region’s centuries-old Buddhist monasteries, including Key, Tabo, and Dhankar, stand as beacons of peace and spirituality. The communities here have sustained themselves through traditional mountain farming, deep respect for nature, and a shared sense of responsibility toward the environment.

This UNESCO recognition will strengthen efforts to:

  • 🌿 Conserve Spiti’s unique alpine habitats and biodiversity
  • 💧 Promote sustainable, low-impact livelihoods for local communities
  • 🦋 Encourage responsible tourism that protects the valley’s fragile balance

Experts believe the designation will also bring global attention to Spiti’s climate resilience and cultural richness, setting an example for other high-altitude conservation zones across the world.

With this achievement, India now has 13 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, reaffirming the nation’s growing leadership in sustainability, ecology, and heritage preservation.

For travelers, Spiti Valley is now officially recognized as a global conservation treasure — a destination to be admired, respected, and preserved for generations to come.