Tag: International Tourism

Travel

Goa Tourism Welcomes Delegation from Almaty, Strengthens Ties with Kazakhstan

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, recently welcomed a delegation of 12 guests from Almaty, Kazakhstan, at Paryatan Bhavan as part of their eight-day visit to the State. The delegation was received with flowers in a traditional gesture of Goan hospitality, reflecting the State’s focus on creating warm, meaningful, and memorable travel experiences for international visitors.

Officials from the Department of Tourism and the Goa Tourism Development Corporation were present to welcome the guests, underlining Goa Tourism’s coordinated approach to global engagement. The visit was facilitated by Caper Travel, with its leadership accompanying the delegation to ensure a curated and immersive experience in the State.

Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte noted that Goa continues to place strong emphasis on emerging international markets, recognising the importance of building trust and long-term relationships with new traveller segments. He highlighted that such interactions help showcase Goa’s diversity beyond beaches, positioning the State as a safe, welcoming, and enriching destination for global tourists.

Director of Tourism Kedar Naik expressed optimism about strengthening tourism ties with Kazakhstan, stating that these engagements help create sustained interest and collaboration between destinations. As part of the interaction, a detailed presentation was delivered highlighting Goa’s cultural heritage, festivals, wellness and spiritual tourism, hinterland experiences, adventure activities, and premium hospitality offerings, reinforcing the vision of promoting Goa as a year-round destination.

During their stay, the delegation will explore various facets of Goa, gaining insight into its traditions, cuisine, and thoughtfully curated tourism initiatives. The visitors expressed appreciation for the warm reception and shared enthusiasm about discovering the many layers of Goa’s cultural and experiential landscape.

The Department of Tourism looks forward to deepening engagement with Kazakhstan and expanding collaborative efforts to position Goa as a preferred international travel destination, built on cultural exchange, sustainable tourism, and meaningful global connections.

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

Goa Tourism Showcases Future-Ready Vision at QTM 2025 with Grand Pavilion Inauguration

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Goa Tourism marked a significant milestone at the Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) 2025 with the inauguration of its pavilion by Mr. Vipul, IFS, Indian Ambassador to Qatar, in the presence of Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik, GTDC General Manager (Marketing) Mr. Gavin Dias, and other dignitaries. The event highlighted Goa’s focused global outreach and its commitment to positioning itself as a premium destination aligned with emerging travel trends.

Speaking at the inauguration, Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte emphasized that Goa has entered a transformative phase where sustainability, community empowerment, and experiential tourism are central drivers of growth. He stated that the State’s participation in QTM 2025 strengthens its connection with one of its most important international markets and reinforces its ambition to diversify Goa’s tourism portfolio across leisure, wellness, weddings, adventure, and film tourism. His remarks underscored Goa’s vision of delivering high-quality, responsible, and innovative tourism experiences that match global expectations.

Echoing this vision, Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik highlighted that QTM 2025 provides a valuable opportunity to present Goa beyond its popular coastline by showcasing regenerative tourism models, upgraded infrastructure, and curated visitor experiences designed for authenticity and quality. The interactions on the opening day demonstrated strong international interest in Goa as a multifaceted destination capable of offering memorable and meaningful experiences.

The pavilion presented a refreshed narrative of Goa’s tourism landscape, displaying new and evolving offerings shaped by global travel trends. Visitors were introduced to the State’s strengthened focus on regenerative tourism, community-led initiatives, and improved visitor infrastructure, along with emerging verticals such as nocto tourism, jet-setting through film and screen tourism, and calming wellness-oriented “calmcations.” The State’s expanding portfolio reflects its long-term commitment to sustainable development and experience-driven travel.

Throughout the day, the Goa pavilion witnessed enthusiastic participation from travel trade professionals, international tour operators, media delegates, and industry buyers. Conversations revolved around infrastructure advancements, digital tourism innovations, heritage conservation projects, and community-driven tourism circuits that aim to create meaningful impact for both travellers and local communities.

The opening day concluded on an optimistic note, reinforcing Goa Tourism’s strong presence at QTM 2025. With a future-ready vision and a comprehensive tourism offering, the Goa delegation is set to continue its engagements over the next two days, deepening partnerships and strengthening the State’s global position as a diverse, responsible, and world-class travel destination.

Travel

Goa Deepens Engagement with Russian Travellers as Delegation Visits Paryatan Bhavan

allycaralgoa

Panaji, Nov 14, 2025: The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, extended a warm welcome to a 37-member delegation from Russia at Paryatan Bhavan as part of their week-long exploration of the State’s tourism offerings.

Present for the reception were Director of Tourism Kedar Naik; GTDC General Manager (Hotels & Marketing) Gavin Dias; Assistant Director (Tourism) Jayesh Kankonkar; Assistant Tourist Officer Chitra Vengurlekar; OSD to the Tourism Minister Shawn Mendes; and TCI & SITA Chief Operating Officer Ernest Dias, along with officials and key representatives of the tourism industry.

Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte said Goa enjoys a warm, long-standing relationship with the Russian market, marked by mutual trust and consistent engagement. “We value this continued interest from Russian travellers. Goa remains committed to offering every visitor a safe, pleasant, and memorable stay,” he said.

Director of Tourism, Kedar Naik, also highlighted the enduring bond between Goa and Russia, noting that travellers from Russia have long appreciated the State’s culture, hospitality, and lifestyle, making them an integral part of Goa’s tourism narrative.

TCI & SITA COO, Ernest Dias, expressed optimism that Goa would witness strong tourist arrivals from Ekaterinburg and Moscow for the upcoming season, underscoring the ongoing confidence of Russian travellers in Goa.

As part of the reception, GTDC’s Gavin Dias presented an engaging overview of Goa’s diverse tourism profile—its cultural heritage, vibrant festivals, culinary richness, wellness tourism, adventure offerings, and high-quality hospitality infrastructure.

During their seven-day visit, the delegation will explore a range of experiences across Goa, including spice plantations and iconic attractions, while gaining deeper insights into the State’s evolving tourism landscape. The visitors expressed appreciation for the warm reception and showed keen interest in discovering more of what Goa has to offer.

The Department of Tourism looks forward to strengthening this relationship further and enhancing collaborations to promote Goa globally.

Travel

Goa Tourism Welcomes First UK Charter Arrivals for Winter 2025–26 Season

allycaralgoa

Panaji; November 6, 2025: Goa marked the grand commencement of its Winter 2025–26 charter season with the arrival of TUI Airways flights from the United Kingdom at Manohar International Airport (Mopa).

The first charter from Manchester touched down on November 5, bringing 282 passengers, followed by another from London Gatwick on November 6, carrying 288 passengers. The services were managed under the supervision of Freedom Holidays Pvt. Ltd., significantly enhancing Goa’s direct international connectivity.

With direct routes from Manchester Airport (MAN) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Manohar International Airport (GOX), Goa is now better positioned to welcome travellers seeking cultural, wellness, spiritual, and adventure-based tourism experiences.

Welcoming the flights, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, said:

“The start of the charter season by TUI Airways reflects the continued interest Goa enjoys among travellers from the United Kingdom. As we expand our global reach, our endeavour is to offer experiences rooted in cultural ethos while supporting local communities and sustainable growth. We look forward to a promising season ahead.”

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added:

“This development further strengthens international travel in Goa. We remain committed to working with partners to deliver a smooth, responsible, and enriching experience for visitors.”

This collaboration underscores Goa’s growing appeal as a long-haul travel destination and reinforces its reputation for cultural warmth, hospitality, and community-centred tourism.

As the charter season unfolds, Goa Tourism continues its efforts to enhance arrival experiences, build stronger partnerships, and promote Goa as a vibrant, year-round destination.

🌐 Source: Department of Tourism, Government of Goa
📍 Story by Allycaral – Connecting Global