Panaji’s Tourism Conclave: A Strategic Response to Growth
The vibrant state of Goa has achieved remarkable milestones in 2024, setting a new benchmark in the tourism sector. The Department of Tourism, under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Shri Rohan Khaunte, and Director of Tourism, Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, hosted a comprehensive day-long conclave. This event aimed to dispel misinformation about tourist footfall figures and reaffirm Goa’s esteemed status as a top-tier tourist destination.
Key Stakeholders Unify for Enhanced Tourism Experience
The conclave was a convergence of key stakeholders from various tourism sectors, including cruise operations, airport management, charter flight operators, beach tourism, transport, and accommodation providers. The Goa Tourism Board members, including Shri Mark Mendes, Shri Ernest Dias, Shri Carlos de Sousa, Shri Sujit Dongre, and Shri Sujit Mukherjee, alongside TTAG President Shri Jack Sukhija and other industry representatives, deliberated on strategies to elevate Goa’s tourism experience sustainably.
Significant Growth in Tourism Metrics
Addressing the media after the stakeholders conclave, Shri. Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director of Tourism stated that the state saw a notable 21% growth which promises a very positive and promising trend of tourism in Goa, with a substantial 54% increase in tourists visiting in December 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. The quarterly growth from October to December stood at 38%. While domestic tourist numbers increased by 22%, foreign tourist numbers grew by 3%.” These provisional figures show that there is strong growth in terms of numbers.
Data-Driven Insights Supporting Growth
Director Suneel Anchipaka IAS further said that the data has been compiled from credible sources, including airport arrivals, Konkan Railways, the Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) and other transport operators. These statistics unequivocally indicate robust growth in Goa’s tourism sector, reaffirming its position as a preferred destination.
Dabolim Airport Witnesses Remarkable Growth
The director further stated that Dabolim Airport saw a significant surge in passenger traffic, with a remarkable 27% growth in December 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. He said that the government is focusing on quality over quantity and that the hotel occupancy remained highest this season which shows that high-end tourists prefer Goa.
Tourism Minister Highlights Record Visitor Numbers
Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte stated “In the year 2023, Goa received 81,75,460 domestic tourists and 4,52,702 international tourists, totalling 86,28,162 visitors. Whereas in the year 2024, provisional figures show that Goa welcomed 99,41,285 domestic tourists and around 4,67,911 international tourists, bringing the total to 1,04,09,196 visitors.”
Addressing Challenges and Fostering Sustainable Growth
Despite the impressive growth, challenges such as over-tourism at popular beaches like Baga and Calangute persist. These areas face issues of overcrowding, waste management, and conflicts between locals and tourists. The government’s proactive approach includes infrastructure improvements and promoting sustainable tourism practices to mitigate these issues.
Technological Advancements in Tourism Services
The government is leveraging technology to enhance tourist experiences. Initiatives like Goa Miles and the Goa Taxi app aim to streamline transport services and address taxi operation concerns. These platforms are integral to providing seamless and efficient transport solutions for tourists.
Promoting Cultural Awareness and Responsible Tourism
Efforts are underway to educate tourists about Goa’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. This initiative aims to foster greater understanding and appreciation among visitors, promoting responsible tourism that respects local customs and values.
High Hotel Occupancy and Improved Accommodation Options
Responding to concerns about a perceived decline in tourism, the Minister emphasized that several hotels achieved nearly 100% occupancy this year, accompanied by impressive Average Room Rates (AAR). He further noted that, under the Ease of Doing Business initiative, the number of registered hotels in the state has increased from approximately 3,000 in 2022 to nearly 9,000 in 2024 across various categories, ensuring visitors have a broader range of accommodation options, including homestays.
Future Plans and Government Initiatives
The minister further stated that issues raised during the stakeholder meeting will be taken up at the upcoming Goa Tourism Board meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Shri Pramod Sawant. An actionable plan will be formulated in collaboration with the Chief Secretary and other officials and presented to the Chief Minister for implementation.
Commitment to Excellence and Hospitality
“We strongly believe in the ethos of Atithi Devo Bhava, where every guest is treated with utmost respect and hospitality. Our commitment is to uphold this principle while ensuring Goa remains a premier destination that offers unique experiences, vibrant culture, and world-class services,” the Minister concluded.
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