Panaji, May 21 (PTI) The concept of an "off-season" is gradually fading as Goa has been witnessing a steady tourist inflow despite global challenges, including geopolitical conflicts affecting the aviation
sector, state Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has said.
Addressing mediapersons after chairing a stakeholders' meeting on Wednesday ahead of the monsoon season, Khaunte said there has been a year-on-year increase in both domestic and international tourist arrivals, reflecting the growing popularity of Goa as a preferred destination.
The evolving travel preferences, especially among younger travellers, are also shaping tourism trends, the minister said without giving any statistics.
"Challenges exist globally, including war situations, which have impacted airlines. Despite this, tourist numbers are still coming in. As far as Goa is concerned, arrivals continue, and there is no such thing as an off-season," he said.
Monsoon tourism offers a different perspective and continues to attract visitors, the minister pointed out.
Khaunte said the tourism department is in the process of setting up a single-window MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) bureau as a nodal agency to promote MICE tourism in the state, in coordination with all stakeholders.
Highlighting emerging trends, he said destination weddings that were earlier held abroad are now shifting to India, with Goa and Jaipur among the top choices. He added that Goa is expected to benefit from this shift, particularly as more travellers opt for domestic destinations.
The minister said all stakeholders, including airport authorities, are working together to ensure that monsoon tourism is marketed effectively as a package, with coordinated efforts to boost arrivals during the season.
He also directed unregistered tour operators conducting activities in hinterland areas to register themselves, stressing the need for regulated tourism to avoid overburdening ecologically sensitive regions.
With domestic tourism witnessing significant growth in India, efforts are being made to ensure that Goa continues to remain a premier national and international tourism destination, he added. PTI RPS GK
