On May 14, 2025, in Panjim, Goa’s Department of Tourism hosted a high-level meeting bringing together key stakeholders to discuss current challenges and future opportunities for the region’s tourism sector. The gathering, chaired by Tourism Minister Rohan A Khaunte, included officials such as the Director of Tourism Kedar Naik, GTDC Managing Director Kuldeep Arolkar, and representatives from the tourism industry and Goa Tourism Board.
In his opening remarks, Minister Khaunte emphasised the importance of timely and structured stakeholder engagements, particularly in light of national and regional developments. Referring to the recent Pahalgam incident in Kashmir, he noted, “As the Hon’ble Prime Minister ensured a swift and resolute response through Operation Sindoor, it was equally important for us, as a tourism-driven state, to evaluate the ripple effects on travel sentiment. Today’s meeting was not only about addressing current concerns, but also about building long-term resilience. We are moving from mere policy reviews to dynamic recalibrations that are responsive to ground realities. Goa’s strength lies in its people—every Goan is a stakeholder, an influencer, and a tourism ambassador.”
Naik underlined the Department’s commitment to listening, learning, and enabling. “We are here to ensure that the voice of every stakeholder is heard. From formal hotels to homestays, from digital platforms to community operators—Goa Tourism belongs to all of them. The goal is to ensure that our policies remain inclusive, adaptive, and implementation-ready.”
Recent data showed a 10.5 per cent increase in tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year, although April experienced a slight decline. The department is working on strategies to manage seasonal variations and market shifts.
The discussions encompassed sectoral reviews and planning for emerging geopolitical and economic challenges. Outcomes from the meeting will inform a subsequent session chaired by the Chief Minister, aiming to coordinate responses and strengthen the industry’s resilience.
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