Goa Showcases Its ‘Beyond Beaches’ Vision In Delhi, Driving Regenerative Tourism For a Viksit Bharat

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

Tourism Minister, 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 Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and Honourable 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.”

Director of Tourism, Kedar Naik, added, “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 the destination thrives alongside 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, a year-on-year growth of eight per cent. The emphasis now is shifting from numbers to impact, prioritising longer stays, higher local spend, and greater community involvement. The Minister stressed that Goa is consciously moving from mass tourism to meaningful tourism, creating livelihoods while preserving the state’s natural and cultural identity.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Goa is undergoing a transformative phase in tourism infrastructure and experience design. Four major projects inaugurated this month — Town Square Porvorim, a new urban leisure experience; PM Ekta Mall showcasing India’s ODOP crafts; the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum, blending heritage with technology; and the Harvalem Eco-Tourism Project, integrating 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 thanking 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 Kazakh charters due to begin on 25 October. Aeroflot now operates up to nine weekly flights, positioning Goa as a growing gateway between Bharat and the world under the spirit of Dabbaḷ Hindarkar.

The state’s new Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme offers a Rs 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 Rs 2.5 million tourist safety insurance initiative underline Goa’s commitment to innovation with accountability. The Minister stated 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 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 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.