Tag: Kazakhstan

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

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 Prepares for 2025–26 Tourism Season with New Flights from Russia and Kazakhstan

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa is set to welcome the 2025–26 tourism season with a boost in international air connectivity. Starting October 2, three new weekly flights from Novosibirsk will land at Manohar International Airport in Mopa, further strengthening the state’s appeal to Russian tourists. These new services join the existing Aeroflot flights from Ekaterinburg and Moscow, bringing the total number of weekly Russian arrivals to nine.

The state’s tourism authorities have also confirmed that charter flights from Kazakhstan will begin operating from October 25, adding to Goa’s diverse international connectivity and reinforcing its position as a premier destination for global travelers.

Tourism officials anticipate a significant rise in inbound tourists due to the increased flight frequency, which is expected to benefit local hotels, transport services, and cultural attractions. With seamless connections from major Russian cities and now Kazakhstan, Goa is strategically enhancing its global reach.

The tourism season coincides with the peak festive period, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy Goa’s scenic beaches, vibrant culture, and rich heritage. Authorities emphasize that the enhanced air connectivity will also support economic growth and local employment in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

As Goa continues to expand its tourism infrastructure, these new flights mark a significant step in strengthening the state’s international tourism footprint and making travel more convenient for visitors from across the globe.

Sports

Asian Shooting Championship 2025: Sift Kaur Samra Clinches 50m Rifle 3P Gold, Leads India to Team Victory

Tanisha Cardozo

India’s medal charge at the Asian Shooting Championship 2025 in Shymkent, Kazakhstan continued in stunning fashion as Sift Kaur Samra won gold in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions and led India to a team gold alongside Ashi Chouksey and Anjum Moudgil.

In a tightly fought final, Sift scored 459.2, narrowly beating China’s Yujie Yang, who finished at 458.8. Entering the final two shots in standing position, Samra trailed by 0.3 points. She stayed composed and delivered a 9.6 and a 10.0, while Yang’s 8.7 and 10.2 weren’t enough.

Samra, Chouksey, and Moudgil combined for 1753 points, edging out Japan by three points. Korea took bronze with 1745.

  • Ashi Chouksey placed 7th in the final with 402.8
  • Misaki Nobata (Japan) won bronze with 448.2
  • Shriyanka Sadangi topped qualifiers but was competing under RPO
  • Anjum Moudgil placed 22nd in qualifying with 578-19x

These victories pushed India’s senior medal count at the event to 19:

  • 🥇 9 Gold
  • 🥈 3 Silver
  • 🥉 7 Bronze

Two-time Olympian Manu Bhaker also brought home three bronze medals, including one in the individual 10m air pistol.

India’s senior shooting squad of 35 athletes competed in 15 events, while 129 shooters represented the country in junior events. The championship will conclude on Friday.

EduConnect

Central Asian Youth Delegation Explores Economic Opportunities in Goa

allycaralgoa

In a significant move to foster economic cooperation and cultural exchange, a 100-member Central Asian youth delegation from four countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan – visited the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) recently.

The delegation, comprising young entrepreneurs, students, and professionals, engaged in an interactive session with GCCI members, focusing on economic growth, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The session aimed to explore potential areas of collaboration, share best practices, and identify opportunities for mutual benefit.

Cultural Exchange and Knowledge Sharing

The interactive session provided a platform for the Central Asian youth delegation to learn about Goa’s economy, industry, and entrepreneurial ecosystem. GCCI members shared their experiences, insights, and expertise, highlighting the state’s potential for growth and development.

In return, the delegation shared their perspectives on the economic landscape of Central Asia, highlighting opportunities for trade, investment, and cultural exchange. The session facilitated a rich exchange of ideas, fostering a deeper understanding between the two regions.

Fostering Economic Cooperation

The visit underscores the growing interest in economic cooperation between India and Central Asia. Goa, with its strategic location and growing economy, is poised to play a significant role in this cooperation.

The GCCI, as a leading industry body, is committed to promoting economic growth, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the state. By engaging with the Central Asian youth delegation, the GCCI aims to explore new avenues for collaboration, trade, and investment.

Empowering Youth Entrepreneurs

The interactive session also emphasized the importance of empowering youth entrepreneurs in driving economic growth and innovation. The Central Asian delegation comprised young entrepreneurs and students, who are eager to learn from India’s experience and explore opportunities for collaboration.

By facilitating this exchange, the GCCI aims to inspire and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, fostering a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that transcends borders.

Conclusion

The visit of the Central Asian youth delegation to the GCCI marks a significant step forward in fostering economic cooperation and cultural exchange between India and Central Asia. By sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices, we can unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship, empowering the next generation of leaders to shape a brighter future.