Goa Showcases Visionary Tourism Roadmap at the National Tourism Ministers’ Conference in Udaipur

Goa, 15th October 2025 - Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, represented Goa at the State and Union Territories Tourism Ministers’ Conference held in Udaipur, Rajasthan on 14th and 15th October 2025. The two-day national conference, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, was graced by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Union Minister of Culture and Tourism. It brought together Tourism Ministers, Secretaries, and senior officials from all States and Union Territories for a comprehensive dialogue on policy, strategy, and coordinated efforts to enhance India’s tourism landscape. The Tourism Minister was accompanied by Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism; and the OSD to the Minister for Tourism, Shri Shawn Mendes.

The conference served as a strategic platform to discuss the draft frameworks on ‘Development of 50 Tourist Destinations’ and ‘Performance Linked Incentives (PLI)’, as well as the Integrated Tourism Promotion Scheme (ITPS), aimed at positioning India as a holistic tourism destination in domestic and international markets. It also focused on aligning central and state-level initiatives to accelerate the growth of India’s tourism sector and enhance its global competitiveness.

Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, stated “Goa’s tourism vision is rooted in regenerative practices that balance economic growth with environmental preservation and community well-being. This is a strong start to the 2025–26 tourism season, and Goa continues to expand its international connectivity and diversify its tourism offerings. Our new destination development projects in Pernem and Canacona will redefine Goa’s tourism landscape, supporting both community and economic growth while staying true to our commitment to sustainability. Through technology-enabled tourist safety and a visitor-first approach, we aim to deliver truly transformative experiences rooted in our philosophy of Atithi Devo Bhava.”

Goa’s presentation highlighted the Mega Performance Arena at Mandrem (Pernem) and the Lord Parshuram Statue and Museum with the Lifescape Project at Loliem (Canacona) — both envisioned as transformative tourism hubs aimed at enhancing visitor experience, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening Goa’s positioning as a global tourism destination.

The Mega Performance Arena, a state-of-the-art 20,000-seat facility, is designed as a flexible, multi-use venue to host large-scale international concerts, conventions, cultural shows, and entertainment events, unlocking Pernem’s potential as a northern tourism gateway.

The Lord Parshuram Statue and Museum, alongside the Lifescape Project, will be developed as a cultural and spiritual landmark, celebrating Goa’s mythological heritage and creating an immersive visitor experience with storytelling zones, scenic viewpoints, and curated exhibits. The initiative will serve as a major anchor project for hinterland tourism development in South Goa, aligning with Goa’s vision of Regenerative Tourism and “Goa Beyond Beaches.”

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, added “The conference in Udaipur provided an excellent platform to align Goa’s vision with the national tourism strategy. Our focus is on strengthening the state’s position as a year-round experiential tourism destination by integrating infrastructure enhancement, heritage conservation, and cutting-edge digital solutions for improved visitor engagement and safety. Goa’s model of regenerative tourism is built around collaboration between the government, local communities, and industry stakeholders, ensuring that the benefits of tourism flow directly to the people of the state. Goa’s approach to destination development goes beyond infrastructure, it is about creating vibrant tourism hubs that blend culture, heritage, environment, and modern experiences. The Mega Performance Arena and Lord Parshuram Statue & Museum are game-changing projects that will bring economic opportunities to local communities and elevate Goa’s position on the world tourism map. 

During the plenary sessions and technical presentations, Goa showcased its long-term vision for tourism growth, built around regenerative, sustainable, and community-led development. The state’s presentation outlined a robust and forward-looking strategy anchored in enhancing infrastructure, connectivity, cultural preservation, technology integration, and visitor experience.

In addition to these flagship projects, the Minister also highlighted Goa’s strong start to the 2025–26 tourism season, marked by the arrival of the first charter flight and enhanced international air connectivity. With three new weekly flights from Novosibirsk to MOPA and Aeroflot now operating nine weekly flights from Moscow, Yekaterinburg, and Novosibirsk, Goa continues to strengthen its presence in the Russian market. Further, charter flights from Kazakhstan commencing on 25th October 2025 will open up a new source market, contributing to Goa’s growing inbound tourism footprint.

Goa’s presentation at the conference also aligned with the state’s larger vision to diversify its tourism portfolio by focusing on seven pillars powering its tourism transformation — Eco & Nature-Based Tourism, Goan Backwaters. Heritage & Culture, MICE Tourism, Adventure Tourism, Leisure & Entertainment and Spiritual, Wellness & Medical Tourism

The state emphasised its commitment to enhancing tourist safety and support through technology-enabled services, ensuring a seamless visitor experience while safeguarding community interests and natural resources.

With increased international connectivity, expanded charter operations, and diversified source markets, Goa is well-positioned to lead in creating sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready tourism growth that contributes significantly to India’s global tourism ambitions.”

Through the National Tourism Ministers’ Conference, Goa has reaffirmed its commitment to be a key stakeholder in shaping India’s tourism future, working closely with the Ministry of Tourism and other states to build a vibrant, resilient, and globally competitive tourism ecosystem.