Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Mar 9: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced an allocation of Rs 385 crore for the tourism sector during the ongoing session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, reaffirming the government’s focus on tourism-led economic growth.
Of the total allocation, Rs 269 crore has been earmarked under the revenue account and Rs 116 crore under capital expenditure. The announcement comes amid strong growth in the state’s tourism sector, with 1.08 crore tourists visiting Goa in 2025, marking a 10% rise compared to the previous year and a 20% increase in foreign tourist arrivals.
Welcoming the announcement, Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte said the allocation reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening Goa’s tourism ecosystem through investments in infrastructure, skills development and sustainable destination management.
The Chief Minister said the funds will support tourism infrastructure development, destination enhancement and new initiatives aimed at improving the state’s global tourism competitiveness.
Among the initiatives announced is a Rs 2-crore Inbound Tour Operators’ Incentive Scheme, aimed at encouraging charter flight operations and boosting international tourist arrivals.
To strengthen Goa’s position as a wellness destination, the government will implement the Goa Wellness and Ayurveda Policy 2026, which will introduce a regulatory and accreditation framework for wellness centres and practitioners.
The state will also establish a new AYUSH Department and organise wellness camps across Goa.
The government will partner with a private industry player under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model to establish a state-of-the-art hospitality training centre at Aguada–Sinquerim. The centre will focus on skill development and training for the hospitality sector to meet global tourism standards.
Additionally, Rs 3 crore has been allocated to formulate a PPP policy to facilitate structured collaborations with private stakeholders for tourism infrastructure projects.
The Chief Minister announced that 32 tourism projects being undertaken by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation are expected to be completed during the current financial year. An additional Rs 1.04 crore has been earmarked for beautification works linked to these projects.
Beyond tourism infrastructure, the government has also allocated Rs 180 crore for the redevelopment of Vasco da Gama city. The proposed Mopa City project will focus on wellness, trade and sports infrastructure with support from the central government.
The state government plans to seek Rs 500 crore from the central government for a Destination Management Scheme to develop integrated and sustainable tourism experiences across Goa.
To promote spiritual tourism, the government has allocated Rs 25 crore to purchase land in Ayodhya for constructing Ram Nivas, a facility for Goan pilgrims. The state is also acquiring land to develop Vithal Rakhumai Yatri Nivas at Pandharpur and Velankanni Church.
The Chief Minister added that the Directorate of Planning, Statistics and Evaluation is preparing a roadmap for “Viksit Goa”, aimed at positioning the state as a leader in sustainable and inclusive development while strengthening its reputation as one of India’s most dynamic tourism destinations.