Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Jul 27: Goa is set for a robust international charter tourism season in 2026–27, with charter flights expected from traditional markets such as the UK, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Poland, while efforts are underway to attract visitors from emerging destinations including Belarus, Armenia, Moldova and Kyrgyzstan, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said on Monday.
Charter operations are scheduled to begin in October after the monsoon and continue until April next year, reflecting growing confidence among international operators in Goa as a global leisure destination.
According to a statement issued by the Tourism Department, leading charter operators have projected an increase in tourist arrivals during the upcoming season.
Concord Exotic Voyages, one of Goa's long-standing charter operators, expects to bring more than 45,000 international tourists during the 2026–27 season through charter services from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region.
The company plans to operate six charter flights a week from Russia, with the possibility of increasing the frequency to nine flights depending on demand. It will also operate two weekly flights from Kazakhstan, with additional services during the peak winter season.
UK-based tour operator TUI will operate four charter flights every week—two each from Manchester and London Gatwick—between November and March, bringing around 1,200 visitors to Goa every week.
Travel companies Sita Travels and Thomas Cook India have also confirmed charter operations from mid-October to April, covering the UK, Russia, Kazakhstan and Poland. Tourist arrivals through these services are expected to be around 10 per cent higher than the previous season.
"The strong response from international charter operators reflects growing global confidence in Goa as a high-quality, year-round tourism destination," Khaunte said.
He said the state's efforts to diversify tourism beyond beaches by promoting heritage, spirituality, wellness, adventure, hinterland experiences and sustainable tourism were attracting international travellers and opening new source markets.
Tourism Director Kedar Naik said international charter tourism continues to be a key contributor to Goa's visitor economy and that the department would continue working with airlines, charter operators and travel trade partners to strengthen connectivity and enhance visitor experiences.
According to the Tourism Department, international tourists arriving through charter services typically stay in Goa for 10 to 14 nights and are increasingly seeking experiences such as heritage walks, spice plantation visits, wellness retreats, water sports, cruises, local cuisine and cultural attractions, in addition to beach tourism.