Goa Showcases ‘Beyond Beaches’ Vision in Delhi – Driving Regenerative Tourism for a Viksit Bharat

New Delhi, 9th October 2025 - The Honorable Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, unveiled the state’s renewed tourism narrative in New Delhi, repositioning Goa from a “sun, sand, and sea” destination to a regenerative, inclusive, and experience-driven model aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Hon'ble Tourism Minister, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte stated "Goa is no longer just a holiday; it is India’s model for responsible tourism built on People, Environment, and Economy. Every visit should leave Goa better than before. We are consciously moving from mass tourism to meaningful tourism, creating livelihoods and preserving Goa’s identity. Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah ji, Goa’s tourism story is being rewritten, from quantity to quality, from consumption to conservation, and from development to regeneration,”

Adding to this, the Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik stated "The focus is on ensuring tourism-led growth benefits every Goan, from local artisans and farmers to homestay owners and transport providers. Regenerative tourism means that the destination thrives along with its people. Investments in infrastructure, technology, and cultural preservation are being made to make Goa not just attractive, but sustainable for future generations."

In 2024, Goa recorded 10.41 million visitors, while the first half of 2025 saw 5.46 million arrivals, an 8% year-on-year growth. The focus, however, is now shifting from numbers to impact, prioritizing longer stays, higher local spending, and greater community engagement. The Minister emphasized that Goa is consciously moving from mass tourism to meaningful tourism, creating livelihoods while preserving the state’s natural and cultural identity.

Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah ji, Goa is undergoing a transformative phase in tourism infrastructure and experience design. Four major projects inaugurated this month — the Town Square Porvorim a new urban leisure experience, PM Ekta Mall showcasing India’s ODOP crafts, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum that blends heritage with technology, and the Harvalem Eco-Tourism Project that integrates faith, nature, and culture, reflect this new direction. The Minister noted that these initiatives embody the spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas, while expressing gratitude to Union Ministers Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw for their continued guidance and support.

Goa’s global connectivity continues to expand, opening new markets for Indian tourism. Charter flights from Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, and Moscow have already commenced, with Kazakhstan charters scheduled to begin on October 25. Aeroflot now operates up to nine weekly flights, positioning Goa as a growing gateway between Bharat and the world under the spirit of Dabbali Hindarkar.

The state’s new Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme offers a ₹2 lakh grant for women-led units in Goa’s hinterland, replacing loans with direct empowerment. Yuva Tourism Clubs across schools and colleges are nurturing responsible travel habits among students, while the Drone Tourism Policy and a ₹2.5 million tourist safety insurance initiative highlight Goa’s commitment to innovation with accountability. The Minister noted that Nari Shakti se Rashtra Shakti and Yuva Shakti se Viksit Bharat remain at the heart of Goa’s tourism transformation.

Goa’s rich festival calendar continues to celebrate India’s diversity and creativity year-round. Events such as the Purple Fest (for persons with disabilities), IRONMAN 70.3 Goa, IFFI, Serendipity Arts Festival, and traditional celebrations like the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, Chikal Kalo, and Shigmo together embody the state’s cultural inclusivity and vibrant spirit.

Concluding the event, the Hon’ble Minister stated that Goa’s story is India’s story, where tradition meets technology and nature meets nurture. As India moves towards Viksit Bharat @2047, Goa stands ready to lead the nation’s tourism transformation.

Dekho Apna Desh. Experience Goa Beyond Beaches.