The Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, met in New Delhi with Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Tourism & Culture, and Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Union Minister for Civil Aviation. The high-level discussions centred around developing collaborative strategies to elevate Goa’s tourism ecosystem, with a strong focus on experiential infrastructure, cultural promotion, and enhanced aviation connectivity.
During the meeting with the Union Minister for Tourism & Culture, both sides engaged in a forward-looking dialogue on the evolving concert economy—a tourism model driven by immersive, experience-centric offerings. Discussions also emphasised the potential of leveraging Goa’s rich heritage, vibrant festivals, and spiritual sites to position the state as a hub for high-value, authentic tourism. A shared commitment emerged to develop iconic and sustainable tourism infrastructure that reflects and preserves Goa’s unique cultural identity.
In his interaction with the Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Khaunte highlighted the pressing need to enhance international direct connectivity to Goa, alongside improving the viability of key domestic air routes. He called attention to the need for a re-evaluation of airline pricing structures, particularly on domestic sectors, to ensure affordability and competitiveness. The dialogue underscored the importance of coordinated efforts to address connectivity gaps from both domestic and international source markets, positioning Goa as a seamless, year-round destination.
“Goa is not just a destination; it’s a cultural emotion,” said Rohan A. Khaunte. “By building a concert economy and strengthening aviation linkages, we aim to make Goa globally accessible while preserving its soul. Our discussions today reflect a shared commitment between the Centre and the State to shape a tourism framework that is experiential, sustainable, and globally connected.”
The Hon’ble Minister was accompanied by senior officials from the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, including Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Secretary (Tourism), and Shri Shawn Mendes, Officer on Special Duty to the Minister for Tourism.
Both Union Ministers lauded Goa’s proactive tourism initiatives and assured continued support for aligning state-level priorities with national policies. These strategic engagements highlight a collective resolve to build a future-ready tourism landscape that harmoniously integrates sustainability, cultural richness, and robust connectivity.