Doha: Goa is positioning itself for stronger tourism collaboration with Qatar and the wider Middle East as part of its expanded global outreach strategy, according to Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, H E Rohan A Khaunte.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) 2025 yesterday, the Minister highlighted Goa’s growing appeal as a year-round destination and the state’s push to diversify beyond traditional perceptions of “sun, sand, and sea.”
Khaunte praised Qatar’s rapid growth as a tourism hub, describing the country’s shift from a largely transit destination into a global hospitality player as “an organic and strategic transformation.”
The Minister said participation in QTM offered Goa an opportunity to deepen partnerships with Qatar’s tourism and travel sector, supported by strong connectivity between the two destinations.
“Goa and Qatar are well connected with direct flights, and this creates fresh opportunities for mutual tourism growth,” he said. “Qatar will definitely play a key role for us, especially as we look to attract high-value visitors who appreciate culture, heritage, nature, and authentic experiences.”
This year, Goa’s delegation at QTM included eight industry participants representing hotels, travel operators and tourism services. Khaunte said the Goa pavilion aimed to showcase the state’s expanding offerings—from heritage trails and festivities to emerging niches such as sports tourism, homestays, and digital-nomad experiences.
“We want quality tourists, not just numbers. It’s not about volume; it’s about value,” he emphasised. “The right visitors help us build a sustainable ecosystem that benefits local communities and preserves Goa’s unique identity.”
Over the past two years, Goa has been reshaping its tourism narrative under what the Minister described as the “5S vision”—Sunset, Sea, Sports, Spirituality, and Software. The traditional beach appeal remains important, he said, but new verticals are driving longer stays and attracting different traveller segments.
On sports tourism, Khaunte highlighted Goa’s success in hosting major events such as Ironman 70.3, the World Table Tennis series, the World Beach Volleyball tournament, and the ongoing World Chess Championship.
“These events allow tourists to experience Goa beyond the beaches and enjoy our culture in a more immersive way,” he said.
Goa’s natural environment and laid-back lifestyle have also made it a popular choice for digital workers. The Minister noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, “work from home became work from Goa,” sparking the rise of a digital-nomad community that continues to grow. This trend has been supported by improved digital infrastructure and the introduction of a progressive homestay policy, which he said empowers local families and creates meaningful cultural exchanges.
“Homestays allow visitors to explore Goa through our people—our food, our festivals, our daily life. It is authentic, and it complements the digital-nomad culture beautifully,” he said.
Speaking about seasonal travel trends, Khaunte said Goa is witnessing an unexpected rise in monsoon tourism, particularly among visitors from the UAE and Qatar. Traditionally, travellers from the Gulf prefer cooler international destinations during the summer months, but Goa’s lush landscapes, trekking trails, and vibrant monsoon festivals are now attracting attention.
“We have beautiful monsoons—nature at its best. People are discovering that Goa during this season offers a completely different experience,” he said. Festivals such as Sao Joao, linked to St. John the Baptist, and the traditional Chikal Kalo mud festival are becoming crowd-pullers. “Monsoon is no longer the lean season. It is becoming a season of its own.”
Looking ahead to the 2025–2026 season, the Minister said sustainable tourism remains the foundation of Goa’s strategy. He underscored that Goa was the first state in India to initiate a tourism regeneration model focused on ensuring the benefits of tourism reach “the last person.”
“Our heritage, culture, and traditions help minimise negative impacts and support responsible tourism,” he said. Goa’s contribution to the G20 Tourism Working Group Meetings in 2023 resulted in the “Goa Roadmap,” a framework that now guides the state’s sustainability initiatives.
Khaunte noted increasing interest from Middle East markets, driven by improved connectivity and new travel patterns. “The number of days travellers spend in Goa is going up. New markets are opening, and new regions are connecting. The biggest challenge now is expanding connectivity even further,” he said.
As Goa continues to reposition itself as a diversified and sustainable global destination, the Minister extended a warm invitation to Qatar’s residents and travellers: “Come and explore Goa—not just the beaches, but the culture, the nature, the festivals, and the hospitality. In Goa, the tourist is God, and we welcome everyone with that spirit.”
