Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Feb 2: Although Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman did not specifically mention Goa in her Budget speech, the state’s hospitality and tourism sector has expressed optimism over several announcements, particularly the proposal to develop five medical tourism hubs across the country.

Welcoming the budget, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa president Jack Sukhija said the continued focus on infrastructure development, including rail, airline and waterway connectivity, would benefit tourism. He noted that incentives for seaplane manufacturing could be especially advantageous for a coastal state like Goa.

“The emphasis on medical tourism hubs allied with traditional healing systems is particularly noteworthy,” Sukhija said, adding that Goa could benefit indirectly as foreign tourists travelling on heritage and medical circuits often include the state in their itineraries.

The finance minister also announced that 15 archaeological sites, including Lothal, Dholavira, Adichanallur, Hastinapur and Leh Palace, would be developed as major tourist attractions. In addition, world-class trekking experiences in North India and along the Tamil Nadu–Kerala border were proposed.

Sukhija said that when such heritage and cultural circuits are promoted internationally, tourists typically add Goa to their travel plans for a short stay towards the end of their visit.

Highlighting tourism as a key driver of employment, foreign exchange earnings and local economic growth, Sitharaman outlined plans for a National Institute of Hospitality, a 12-week programme to upskill 10,000 tourist guides at 20 destinations, and the creation of a National Destination Digital Knowledge Grid.

The guide training programme was termed a major positive for Goa by Sukhija.

Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry vice president Yatin Kakodkar also welcomed the tourism thrust, stating that India had long underutilised its tourism potential compared to neighbouring countries. He stressed the importance of medical tourism and said Goa should move towards high-value tourism rather than a model that contributes to overtourism.