Category: Travel

Travel

Goa Sees Sustained Rise in Tourist Arrivals as 2025 Figures Signal Strong Momentum

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Goa continues to consolidate its position as one of India’s most preferred tourism destinations, with provisional figures for 2025 reflecting strong and sustained growth across both domestic and international tourist segments. The data points to a steady post-pandemic recovery, driven by improved air connectivity, revival of charter operations, cruise tourism, and a growing focus on quality and regenerative tourism.

In 2025, the State recorded over 1.08 crore tourist arrivals, with domestic tourism forming the backbone of this growth while international arrivals showed a gradual and consistent revival. The operationalisation of Manohar International Airport at Mopa alongside Dabolim Airport has significantly enhanced Goa’s global connectivity, resulting in increased international scheduled flights and a balanced distribution of air traffic.

Charter tourism, traditionally a strong contributor to Goa’s inbound segment, has continued its gradual recovery, while cruise tourism has further complemented the State’s tourism profile by attracting both foreign and domestic passengers. Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte stated that the year-wise data reflects the resilience of Goa’s tourism sector and the effectiveness of sustained efforts towards structured and balanced growth, with a clear emphasis on quality tourism that delivers long-term benefits to local communities, the environment, and the economy.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik also highlighted that coordinated efforts in infrastructure development, destination management, and market outreach have played a key role in strengthening Goa’s tourism ecosystem.

As the Department of Tourism continues to diversify source markets, improve visitor services, and promote regenerative tourism practices, Goa remains focused on ensuring that tourism growth is inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with the State’s long-term vision of preserving its natural and cultural heritage while enhancing visitor experiences.

Travel

Goa Welcomes First Charter Flight from Katowice, Poland for the Season

allycaralgoa

Panjim, 9th January 2026 – Goa celebrated a key moment in its international tourism calendar with the arrival of charter flight ENT 1443 from Katowice, Poland, landing at Manohar International Airport (MOPA) at 09:30 hrs on Friday, 9 January 2026.

The flight, carrying 189 passengers, is the first charter arrival from Katowice for the current tourist season and the second charter flight from Poland to the state this year. Passengers received a warm Goan welcome, reflecting the state’s commitment to hospitality and visitor experience.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, expressed optimism about the arrival:
“The first charter flight from Katowice is a positive development for Goa’s international tourism sector. Poland remains an important source market for us, and charter operations like this strengthen our efforts to diversify markets and promote quality tourism. We are committed to improving connectivity, ensuring seamless travel experiences, and positioning Goa as a responsible, year-round global destination.”

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added:
“Charter arrivals such as these are vital in sustaining international tourist inflow and supporting local stakeholders. The growing interest from Polish travellers underscores Goa’s appeal beyond beaches, encompassing culture, wellness, hinterland experiences, and nature-based tourism. We will continue collaborating with airlines and tour operators to enhance international connectivity.”

The charter operations from Poland highlight Goa’s increasing popularity among European tourists and reinforce the state’s ongoing efforts to expand air connectivity with key markets. The Department of Tourism continues to work closely with stakeholders to promote year-round tourism, ensuring visitors experience Goa’s diverse offerings, including its coastline, wellness, culture, cuisine, and hinterland adventures.

With the arrival of this charter, Goa strengthens its presence in the European travel market and sets a positive tone for the current tourist season.

Travel

Music-Led Travel Is Reshaping How Gen Z Explores India, Airbnb Insights Reveal

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Music is fast becoming a defining force behind how India’s Gen Z travels, with live concerts and festivals now shaping not just where young people go, but how they experience destinations. According to Airbnb’s Experience-Led Travel Insights, nearly 62 percent of Gen Z travelers in India plan to travel specifically for concerts and music festivals in 2026, signalling a significant shift in travel motivation.

Live events are also influencing first-time visits to cities. An overwhelming 76 percent of Gen Z respondents said they had travelled to a city for the first time because of a concert or festival, turning music into a gateway for discovery. For many, the journey extends well beyond the event itself. While 65 percent prefer accommodation close to concert venues, more than half use the opportunity to explore local cafés, nightlife spots, and surrounding neighbourhoods, contributing directly to local economies.

Group travel plays a central role in this trend. Around 70 percent of Gen Z concert-goers attend live events with friends, reinforcing the social nature of music-led travel. These trips are carefully planned lifestyle choices rather than impulsive getaways. Nearly six in ten Gen Z travelers are willing to spend between 21 and 40 percent of their monthly income on event-led travel, with the average spend per journey estimated at ₹51,000. The appetite for global experiences is also growing, with over 40 percent open to travelling internationally for live music events.

Commenting on this shift, Amanpreet Singh Bajaj, Country Head, Airbnb India and Southeast Asia, noted that the rising interest in concerts and festivals has given rise to a new kind of traveler—one who views music as a lens through which to discover destinations. He highlighted how concert tourism is opening up neighbourhoods and communities to young travelers, creating meaningful local impact while driving demand for group-friendly stays that encourage shared experiences.

Reflecting this momentum, Airbnb has entered its first-ever global live music partnership by collaborating with Lollapalooza India. As part of the association, the platform will offer fans unique stays and experiences during the 2026 edition of the festival, scheduled to take place in Mumbai on January 24 and 25. The partnership underscores how deeply music and travel are now intertwined for Gen Z, marking a cultural shift where playlists, passports, and purpose increasingly move in sync.

Travel

Charter Flights from Russia and Central Asia Boost International Tourist Inflow to Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Goa witnessed a significant boost in international tourist arrivals with the arrival of multiple charter flights from key global markets, reinforcing the state’s growing air connectivity during the peak holiday season. On 30 December 2025, a Nordwind Airlines charter flight from Moscow landed in Goa with 360 passengers, followed by another Nordwind charter from Yekaterinburg on 31 December carrying 373 passengers. Adding to this momentum, Fly Arystan operated a charter flight from Astana on 30 December, bringing 176 passengers from the Central Asian region.

Welcoming the arrivals, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, highlighted that the steady inflow of charter flights from Russia and Central Asia reflects increasing international confidence in Goa as a preferred holiday destination. He emphasised that strengthening air connectivity remains central to the state’s vision of promoting quality tourism while ensuring seamless and enriching visitor experiences.

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, noted that charter operations play a vital role in sustaining international arrivals and diversifying source markets. He stated that the Department of Tourism continues to work closely with airlines, airport authorities, and tourism stakeholders to facilitate smooth operations and expand Goa’s reach across both established and emerging global markets.

Through focused and strategic tourism initiatives, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, remains committed to enhancing international connectivity, broadening its tourist base, and positioning Goa as a year-round global destination.

Travel

Shankh Airlines Set to Take Off in January, Connecting Lucknow to Major Indian Cities

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India’s rapidly expanding aviation landscape is poised for another boost as Shankh Airlines announced that it will commence flight operations in January, starting with key domestic routes from Lucknow to Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities across the country.

The launch marks a significant step towards improving regional and metro connectivity, particularly strengthening Lucknow’s position as an emerging aviation hub in northern India. With domestic air travel witnessing steady growth, the airline aims to cater to both business and leisure travellers seeking reliable and accessible flight options.

Shankh Airlines is expected to focus on operational efficiency, competitive pricing, and improved passenger experience as it enters a competitive market dominated by established carriers. Industry observers believe the airline’s entry could further enhance travel choices and contribute to increased passenger traffic on high-demand routes.

The move aligns with India’s broader push to expand aviation infrastructure and improve connectivity between state capitals and major economic centres. Further details regarding fleet size, additional routes, and service offerings are expected to be announced closer to the official launch.

As Shankh Airlines prepares for take-off, passengers and industry stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see how the new entrant shapes its journey in India’s dynamic aviation sector.