The focus of the discussions was on establishing Goa as a destination for experiential and high-value tourism, with particular attention on creating a “concert economy” – a model that emphasizes immersive, culture-rich experiences for visitors.
In his meeting with Shekhawat, the two leaders examined strategies to harness Goa’s lively heritage, festivals, and spiritual sites to draw discerning tourists in search of authentic experiences. Both parties concurred on the necessity to develop iconic and sustainable tourism infrastructure that embodies Goa’s distinctive identity and cultural richness.
Also read | CM Rekha Gupta meets PM Modi, proposes developing tourist hubs across Delhi
During the meeting, they discussed the evolving significance of cultural and spiritual tourism in shaping India’s international image, with Goa recognized as a pivotal player in attracting foreign tourists.
In his meeting with the Civil Aviation minister, Khaunte concentrated on enhancing Goa’s domestic and international air connectivity. He brought up issues regarding route viability for domestic air services and pushed for the expansion of direct international flights to Goa from major global source markets.
Stressing the importance of competitive pricing, the Minister called for a review of airline fare structures to ensure a steady influx of tourists and to keep Goa appealing as a year-round destination.
Also read | Tourists flock to Shimla as heatwave drives travellers to the hills
“Goa is not merely a destination; it’s a cultural emotion. By cultivating a concert economy and bolstering aviation links, we aspire to make Goa globally accessible while preserving its essence,” Khaunte remarked. “Our discussions today indicated a collective commitment from both the Centre and the state to collaborate on creating a tourism framework that is experiential, sustainable, and globally connected.”
The Goa delegation included senior officials from the Department of Tourism, such as Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Secretary (Tourism), and Shawn Mendes, Officer on Special Duty to the Minister. Both Union Ministers appreciated Goa’s proactive stance and promised continued support in aligning state priorities with national tourism and aviation strategies, as per a press release.
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)
