Panaji, Nov 8 (PTI) The Goa tourism department has said that the state is increasingly attracting international travelers from a growing number of countries.
The department, in a media statement issued here, said new charter flights from key markets, including the Russian cities of Moscow and Yekaterinburg, London, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, support international arrivals.
A Polish charter flight will arrive in the coastal state on November 8.
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These flights signify Goa’s appeal beyond beach tourism, drawing visitors to the state’s scenic hinterland and popular spots like the Dudhsagar Falls, it said.
To improve international accessibility, Goa is focused on securing better direct connectivity to key overseas markets and collaborations with major airlines and international travel platforms are underway, the Tourism Department spokesperson said.
“However, establishing robust direct international connectivity requires additional support from the Government of India, as we actively seek to make Goa an even more attractive, accessible and globally connected destination,” he added.
The spokesperson said that while global travel suffered unprecedented disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which is affecting the number of foreign tourists worldwide, Goa’s international tourism is on a steady path to recovery.
“In 2023, foreign tourist arrivals rose to over 4,50,000, a significant increase from pandemic lows, as travel restrictions eased and global mobility improved,” he said.
According to the department, Goa saw over 8 million domestic visitors by 2023.
The spokesperson also downplayed comparisons between destinations in Goa and countries like Sri Lanka. Such comparisons can give the wrong perspective, he said.
“Goa is facing certain challenges. For example, limited regular international air connectivity. The state government is working closely with the Center to re-examine the port of call and additional seat eligibility for Goa, to establish more robust international connectivity,” he said. PTI RPS NR
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