Tag: goa tourism

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.

Events in Goa

Goa Deepotsav 2025 Lights Up Porvorim, Saligao, and Mapusa with Cultural Splendour

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, successfully hosted Goa Deepotsav 2025, a two-day celebration that illuminated Porvorim, Saligao, and Mapusa with festive cheer, music, and cultural splendour. The event brought together Goans from all walks of life to celebrate Diwali through art, tradition, and togetherness, reflecting the essence of Goa’s cultural unity.

The first-ever edition of Deepotsav in Mapusa, held at the Mapusa Taxi Stand Ground, witnessed vibrant community participation and an impressive turnout. The event featured engaging contests such as the All Goa Akash Kandil Competition, cooking and fugdi contests, and an energetic cultural showcase. The evening highlight, Rhythm of Lights, mesmerized audiences with performances that beautifully portrayed Goa’s cultural diversity.

Among the dignitaries present were Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Deputy Speaker & MLA, Mapusa, Shri Joshua De Souza, Chairperson of Mapusa Municipal Council Smt Priya Mishal, Deputy Director of Tourism Shri Dhiraj Vagle, Dy. General Manager (Marketing/Hotels), GTDC, Shri Deepak Narvekar, Asst. Director of Tourism Shri Jayesh Kankonkar, councillors, and former councillors.

In his address, Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted that the Goa Beyond Beaches initiative, launched in 2022, aims to take tourism to the heart of local communities while empowering women and youth through cultural participation. He announced that Deepotsav will be celebrated annually in Mapusa to showcase Goa’s cultural richness and festive unity.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik expressed his appreciation for the overwhelming response to Deepotsav 2025, noting that the festival embodied Goa’s true spirit of joy, inclusivity, and creativity.

The celebrations began on October 25 at Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal Hall, Porvorim, with workshops and competitions in clay modelling, drawing, cooking, fugdi, and traditional costume contests, concluding with the soulful performance Sur Taal. On October 26, the festivities continued at Saligao Panchayat Area with rangoli, cooking, and Veshbhusha Spardha contests, and culminated with Suron Kee Deepawali, a musical tribute to the festival of lights.

With Goa Deepotsav 2025, the Department of Tourism reaffirmed its commitment to promoting cultural tourism, local participation, and sustainable community engagement. The festival stood as a radiant symbol of Goa’s heritage, uniting communities under the glow of countless diyas.

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

Goa Deepotsav 2025 to Illuminate the State with Festive Splendour and Cultural Spirit

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, is set to usher in the festive season with Goa Deepotsav 2025, a spectacular celebration of Diwali that will illuminate the state with colour, music, and cultural vibrance. The festival will span two days across three lively venues — Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal Hall, Porvorim on October 25, followed by Saligao Panchayat Area, Saligao, and Mapusa Taxi Stand Ground, Mapusa on October 26.

The celebrations will commence on October 25 at Porvorim with an exciting line-up of family-friendly competitions and workshops including cooking contests, fugdi competitions, clay modelling, drawing activities for kids, and the much-loved Veshbhusha Spardha (Traditional Costume Contest). The evening will feature a formal function and a soulful musical performance, Sur Taal, graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant, and other dignitaries including Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, ZP Smt. Kavita Naik, MLA Shri Kedar Naik, and senior officials from the Department of Tourism and GTDC.

On October 26, the festivities will continue at the Saligao Panchayat Area with competitions such as Veshbhusha Spardha, Rangoli Making, and Cooking Contests, followed by a mesmerizing musical concert, Suron Kee Deepawali. The evening will also see the presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, and other distinguished guests.

Later that evening, the celebrations will move to Mapusa Taxi Stand Ground for the grand finale featuring creative contests like the All Goa Akash Kandil Competition, alongside cultural showcases and a musical extravaganza, Rhythm of Lights. The event will host prominent leaders including the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Hon’ble Minister for Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Shri Nilkanth Halarnkar, and several MLAs from surrounding constituencies.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted that Deepotsav reflects the essence of Goa — a land where culture, creativity, and community come together in celebration. He emphasized the role of such festivals in strengthening Goa’s cultural fabric while promoting community-led tourism that preserves Goa’s living traditions.

Echoing his sentiments, Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, stated that this year’s Deepotsav is designed to engage every generation through workshops, performances, and culinary experiences that capture Goa’s inclusive and participative spirit. He added that events like Deepotsav embody the vision of Goa Beyond Beaches, showcasing the state as a destination where culture and creativity shine brightly.

Through Goa Deepotsav 2025, the Department of Tourism continues to advance its vision of connecting people through shared experiences and cultural pride. The festival stands as a symbol of Goa’s commitment to preserving its traditions while embracing innovation and inclusivity. As the state glows under the light of countless diyas and echoes with music and joy, Goa invites residents and visitors alike to join this radiant celebration of togetherness and tradition.

Travel

Goa’s Homestay and B&B Scheme Sets a National Benchmark, Inspires Delhi’s Revival of B&B Model

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa’s Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme, implemented by the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, has become a national benchmark in community-based tourism — inspiring states like Delhi to adopt similar frameworks. The scheme’s success lies in its holistic approach that blends financial incentives, simplified registration, and quality standards to strengthen local entrepreneurship and promote authentic travel experiences.

Designed to create meaningful engagement between visitors and local communities, the initiative encourages travellers to explore Goa’s hinterlands while generating sustainable livelihoods for residents. Eligible homestays and B&B operators receive a one-time grant of ₹2 lakh, along with marketing support through official Goa Tourism channels, and access to training programmes aimed at improving service quality and sustainability practices.

The scheme classifies participating establishments under Gold and Silver categories, offering benefits such as residential tariff rates for utilities, ease of licensing, and inclusion in state tourism promotions. It also emphasises empowering women and youth entrepreneurs, ensuring that the growth of tourism extends beyond the coastal belt into rural areas rich with culture and tradition.

Recognising the impact of Goa’s approach, the Delhi government has recently announced plans to revive its long-dormant Bed & Breakfast Scheme using Goa’s model as a reference. This move highlights Goa’s growing leadership in shaping sustainable and inclusive tourism policies at the national level.

Speaking on the development, Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte remarked, “Goa’s Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme has been designed to empower Goans while creating meaningful experiences for travellers. The fact that other states are now adopting our model reaffirms our commitment to building a regenerative and community-led tourism framework.”

Echoing this sentiment, Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, stated, “This initiative makes it easier for Goans to host visitors, earn additional income, and share our culture. By offering financial support, training, and simplified registration, the policy ensures that tourism growth benefits every section of society.”

With its emphasis on authentic stays, local engagement, and responsible development, Goa continues to lead India’s tourism transformation — setting a standard that other states are eager to emulate.