Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Aug 4: Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has renewed the state's demand for a Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) facility at both of Goa's airports, urging the Centre to introduce the service to improve international tourist arrivals and strengthen the state's global connectivity.

During a meeting with Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi on Monday, Khaunte proposed extending the VoA facility to both Manohar International Airport at Mopa and Goa International Airport at Dabolim.

"To further improve ease of travel for international visitors, the meeting discussed extending the VoA facility to both Manohar International Airport and Goa International Airport. This would bring Goa on par with the six airports in India that currently offer the facility and make international travel to the State more convenient," Khaunte said.

The meeting also focused on extending the benefits of the Open Sky policy to Goa to encourage more international airline operations, improve direct connectivity with overseas destinations and support the state's long-term tourism growth.

Khaunte further proposed increasing flight capacity on major domestic routes connecting Goa with key Indian cities to improve year-round connectivity and support the tourism sector.

The state also sought the Centre's support to designate Goa as a Point of Call for priority international markets, particularly Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), to attract more direct international flights and tap emerging tourism markets.

According to Khaunte, the discussions centred on aligning Goa's long-term tourism strategy with the Government of India's national tourism priorities while reinforcing the state's position as India's premier year-round tourism destination.

"As Goa moves towards a high-value, year-round tourism model, better domestic and international connectivity, easier travel and stronger destination promotion are essential to achieving our long-term vision. Goa today offers far more than its iconic beaches. It is a destination for wellness, heritage, culture, adventure, MICE and regenerative tourism," he said, expressing confidence that the Centre would continue to support the state's tourism initiatives.