goa state tourism department

Call Us: +91-0832-2494204

Email:dir[hypen]tour[dot]goa[at]nic[dot]in

Tourism Helpline: 1364

Department of Tourism

Government of Goa

The Organization

The Administrative Heads of the Department:

Minister Tourism

Govt. of goa..

Secretary Tourism

Shri sanjeev ahuja, ias..

The Tourist Information Centres/Counter are located within the State and in Mumbai (temporarily closed). The Zonal Officers are primarily responsible for monitoring the Registration of Tourist Trade under the Tourist Trade Act, 1982.

Details of Public Grievance Officer:

Name: Shri Kuldeep U. Arolkar. Designation:  Dy. Director of Tourism, Head Office, Panaji Address:   Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, Paryatan Bhavan, Patto, Panaji, Goa – 403001. Phone: 0832-2494223/8975781333 …………………………………………………………………………………………..

Name:  Shri Dhiraj Vagle. Designation:  Dy. Director of Tourism, South Zone Office, Margao . Address:   Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, South Zone Office, Block No. 43, Ground Floor, Mathany Saldanha Administrative Complex, Margao, Goa – 403601. (South Zone Office) Phone:  0832-2494208 /0832-2794635

Most Searched

• Birth Certificate
• Driving Licence

Website of Department of Tourism of Goa

Related Links

Website of directorate of mines & geology of goa.

Users can get information on the Directorate of Mines & Geology of Goa. Detailed information about the mining area, geology, DGPS survey, mineral resources, mining lease, operational mines, etc. is provided.

Information on Goa State Financial Incentives to the Industries for Certification and Patenting Scheme

Get information about Goa State Financial Incentives to the Industries for Certification and Patenting Scheme, 2003 launched by Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce of Goa (GDITC). Users can get details about the scheme, its objectives, eligibility, quantum of assistance and monitoring and disbursing. Information on procedure to file application and disbursement procedure is also available.

Information on Employment Subsidy scheme by Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce of Goa

Get information about Employment Subsidy scheme launched by Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce of Goa (GDITC). Users can get details about the scheme, its objectives, eligibility, period of subsidy, quantum of subsidy and disbursement procedure.

Home » Tourism » Goa Is Opened Up For Tourism; Here Is What You Need To Know

Goa Is Opened Up For Tourism; Here Is What You Need To Know

• Rajesh Ghadge
• , October 10, 2021

Goa, the most sought after tourism destination has finally opened up for the tourism. Domestic tourism started picking up from the month of September and now from 15th October onwards even the foreign chartered tourists have been given a green signal to enter Goa.

With Goa opening up fully by the mid of November to all the tourists and international flights there are many things that you need to understand and follow the guidelines to make sure that you are others remain safe.

The permission of entry currently granted only to the chartered tourists from Russia and UK while the all other tourists will be able to enter Goa only after the international flights will be allowed to operate from 15th November 2021.  

#Goa will have a good tourist season this year, especially with international flights to the country scheduled to resume by November 15, Chief Minister #PramodSawant ( @DrPramodPSawant ) said on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/Hj4D7MjFSo — IANS Tweets (@ians_india) October 9, 2021

Chief Minister of Goa Dr Pramod Sawant made an announcement saying that “Goa will have a Good Tourism season this year, especially with International flights to the country scheduled to resume from 15th November,” he said on Saturday while speaking with IANS New Agency.  

Tourism Industry of Goa  

The tourism industry of Goa which include its stakeholders and dependents have thanked the Union Ministry for taking a note of their demand and opening up the state boundaries for International tourism for upcoming season.  

Although the permission has been granted for the chartered flights to land in Goa from 15th October but looking at the visa and other formalities the chartered flights may begin in the beginning of November and if everything goes smooth as expected, the international flings will also commenced from 15th November.  

“It was largely due to our requests that the Central government decided to allow foreigners to arrive in Goa. Goa makes up 92% of the charter flight arrivals in the country and the announcement ahead of the season will allow us to plan in advance and allow charter companies to book slots at the Goa airport,” president of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), a body which represents businessmen from the tourism industry, Nilesh Shah told the HT .  

According to the TTAG, the process took lot of efforts, persistent communication between the industry that helped the state government to speed up the process of opening Goa for tourism activities with the help of Union government.  

Tourism Business in Goa

According to the association the state generates the foreign exchange of approximately 29 billion US dollars per annum with the help of 40 million skilled and trained manpower employed in the tourism sector. But the pandemic had had adversity affected the state’s economy for the last two years.  

“With the full closure of international flights and visas since March 2020, many operators and stakeholders have shut shop and are facing severe financial constraints,” the TTAG had said.

The stakeholders of the tourism sector had tried to reopen the sector in 2020 too in a limited scope but the second wave struck and everything went back to square. But now since the cases have started flattening with the death rate has come down to near zero the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) gave a green signal to open the sector.  

“In 2020 the domestic tourists were showing off as the rate of cases has started going down but the foreign nationals remained absent due to ban on international flights,” said the TTAG.

Tourism Season in Goa

The tourism season in Goa begins with end of Monsoon every year and this is the first time after after the closure of tourism activities due to the pandemic that the tourists have started floating to the this tiny state with the end of Monsoon season.  

The Russians and British nationals comes to Goa to escape from their severe winter during this time. Goa’s tropical climate is the first choice of many foreigners.  

The UK, Germany, Poland, Russia and Ukraine are the primary sources of foreign tourists to Goa. Visas weren’t relaxed last year as much of Europe was battling an especially severe second wave at the time.  

For many who had made a winter visit to Goa an annual affair, not being able to travel to Goa and having to spend Christmas back in the UK was something they “never experienced before.”

Fully Vaccinated Goa

Goa is the second state in the country after the Uttarakhand to have achieved 100% vaccination by vaccinating its targeted population with at least one dose of the vaccine.

The CM had announced in the month of August that at the state will allow the tourism soon after the state Achieves 100% vaccination.    

Follow us...

Trending....

How Technology Improved Betting Opportunities

A Seasonal Guide:Why November to February is the Perfect Time to Visit Goa

A Tourist’s Guide to Safety and Precaution: Your Ultimate Safety Guide to Enjoying Goa

Manipal Hospital Goa Makes Strides in Cardiac Care with Revolutionary Procedure

The Super Cop Who Caught Charles Sobhraj in Goa

Taking Action: How the People of Goa Can Combat Global Warming

Latest news.

Renowned Chef Floyd Cardoz, Co-Owner of Bombay Canteen with Goan Roots Dies of Coronavirus

While the Senior Citizens Bear the Brunt of Taxi Strike in Goa, Locals Create Social Media Group to Help Tourists

Employment Policy will Focus on Job Reservation to Goans

Tourist Makes Video and Post Online After Local Taxi Drivers Forced him out of GoaMiles Taxi at Five Star Hotel in South Goa

Life of Expats in the Gulf is not so Rosy Anymore

Model Code of Conduct, What is it and How it affects the Common Man

Community Role In Supporting New Mother’s Mental Health

How Siesta became the way of life for the Goans?

Goa’s Famous Beach Being Renamed After The Well Known Music Festival Brand

Gyms Remain Closed While Restaurants And Bars Allowed To Operate In Goa, Grievances Of Gym Owners Going Unheard

No More Subsidised Housing Loan Schemes For Government Employees

Here is Why Goa Does Not Celebrate Independence Day on 15th August

Delhi Based Builder Demolishes A Century Old Cross At Reis Magos To Carry Out Construction Activities

Unleashing The Fun in Goa: Exciting Things to Do with Your Kids 

Amphibian Bus Service – The Ambitious Project of Goa Tourism Development Corporation that Never Took Off

The 15th Edition of The Grape Escapade Happening in Goa from 28th February till 3rd March

This Valentine’s Day may be a costly affair for people travelling from Mumbai to Goa

Top Dental Care Tips For Christmas!

© 2020 Incredible Goa - All rights reserved​

Made with ❤ by Goa Prism Digital Media​

We use cookies to ensure best experience for you

We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalize content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audience is coming from. You can also read our privacy policy , We use cookies to ensure the best experience for you on our website.

• Leaders Speak
• Brand Solutions
• Goa to launch tourism helpline to guide visitors with info and to redress stakeholders' grievances

• Bindiya Chari ,
• Updated On Jul 4, 2022 at 01:15 PM IST

• By Bindiya Chari ,
• Published On Jul 4, 2022 at 01:15 PM IST

All Comments

By commenting, you agree to the Prohibited Content Policy

Find this Comment Offensive?

• Foul Language
• Inciting hatred against a certain community
• Out of Context / Spam

Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals

Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis., download etgovernment app.

• Get Realtime updates
• Save your favourite articles

• tourism department
• Calangute-Baga belt
• Russian beach in Goa

Goa minister Rohan Khaunte launches India's first regenerative tourism model

Tourism goa is aiming to make a positive difference in the environment, culture, and communities, which support regenerative tourism. the goal in introducing regenerative tourism model is to encourage travel and tourism sector to adopt sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the people..

Go Goa for tourism

The number of foreign tourist arrivals in Goa is picking up after a major drop due to Covid, but is yet to touch the pre-pandemic levels, according to official figures. For the first seven months of this calendar year, 2.81 lakh foreign tourists arrived in the coastal state, which is more compared to the figures for 2021 and 2022, when the sector was hit by the coronavirus outbreak and its aftermath.

According to numbers provided in the Lok Sabha by the Union Tourism Ministry, in response to a question by Goa MP Francisco Sardinha, the year 2021 saw 22,000 foreign travellers arriving in the state and the number rose to 1.75 lakh in 2022.

A senior official from the state tourism department said that this year’s footfall – 2.81 lakh foreign visitors – is much less compared to the pre-pandemic times. “But this is not the case only with Goa. Overall, there has been a drop in international travels,” he said.

The figures provided by the Union tourism ministry to Sardinha also said that 9.34 lakh foreign tourists arrived in Goa in 2018, which increased to 9.37 lakh in 2019 but then nosedived due to Covid-19.

Amid a drop in the foreign tourist arrivals compared to the pre-pandemic times in Goa, the tourism industry is banking on the new sectors to make up for the losses in the number of international arrivals, said Nilesh Shah, President of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG).

Shah told PTI that the conflicts in Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Palestine are the main reason for the lower number of foreign tourists visiting Goa.

He said that there are also other reasons, including the opening of e-visa facilities by other competitive markets. “It will take time for Goa to reach the pre-pandemic figures of international travellers,” Shah said.

Shah said that there are a lot of tourists who now plan their holidays in destinations like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Another State Tourism Department official said that chartered flights from new destinations like Uzbekistan have started arriving in the state. “Last week, a weekly flight from Uzbekistan to Manohar International Airport in Goa started,” he said. The flight Centrum Air Q6 5545 is operated by Elaine Avia in Uzbekistan, he said.

The rebirth of tourism in Italy’s Art Cities

Hong Kong Convention Ambassadors of 12 sectors celebrate securing 70 conventions

VisitBritain activity boosts economy by £1.26 billion

Over 260 applications from 60+ countries: Best Tourism Villages 2024 adventure kicks…

Since you're here...

...there are many ways you can work with us to advertise your company and connect to your customers. Our team can help you design and create an advertising campaign

We can also organize a real life or digital event for you and find thought leader speakers as well as industry leaders, who could be your potential partners, to join the event. We also run some awards programmes which give you an opportunity to be recognized for your achievements during the year and you can join this as a participant or a sponsor.

Let us help you drive your business forward with a good partnership!

Yes, contact me I want to download the media kit

Comments are closed.

LATEST STORIES

Sabre: Outbound travel from China surges by close to 400%

Hong Kong Airlines launches direct flight to Da Nang, Vietnam 

Bali bound year-round: Air New Zealand extends flights to holiday hotspot

Turkish Airlines launches “Tomorrow On-Board” Sustainability Brand

Welcome, Login to your account.

Sign in with Google

Powered by wp-glogin.com

Recover your password.

A password will be e-mailed to you.

Welcome back, Log in to your account.

SIGN UP FOR FREE

Be part of our community of seasoned travel and hospitality industry professionals from all over the world.

• LOGIN / SIGN UP
• Middle East
• UK & Europe
• USA & Canada
• Hospitality
• HR & Careers
• Luxury Travel
• MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions)
• Travel Tech
• Travel Agents
• Airlines / Airports
• Conferences
• Cruising (Ocean)
• Cruising (River)
• Destination Management (DMC)
• Hotels & Resorts
• Hotel Management Company
• Hotel Technology
• HR / Appointments
• Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions (MICE)
• Travel Agents (all)
• Travel Technology
• Tourism Boards
• TDM Travel Show
• Industry appointments
• Travel Bloggers
• Podcasts – Features
• How to join
• RSVP Portal
• Event Photos/Videos
• Competitions
• Travel Club
• Middle East September 2024
• Thailand October 2024
• Destination NaJomtien BanAmphur BangSaray *NEW*
• จุดหมายปลายทาง นาจอมเทียน หาดบ้านอำเภอ บางเสร่ *NEW*
• South Australia Reward Wonders *NEW*
• Ponant Yacht Cruises and Expeditions
• Encore Tickets (Chinese Guide)
• Affordable Luxury in Thailand by Centara Hotels
• Rising Above the Oridinary by Conrad Bangkok
• The Best of Thailand
• Who is IWTA
• Philippines
• Recommend Someone
• Recommend yourself
• IWTA Awards

From houseboats to spice gardens, there’s far more to Goa than its beautiful beaches

Tucked into the western coast of India, Goa is renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history.

Once a Portuguese colony, this small coastal state has a blend of Indian and European influences, evident in its architecture and cuisine.

The beaches of Goa are its most famous attraction, drawing visitors with their golden sands, azure waters, and thrilling water sports.

From the sandy shores of Calangute and Baga to the secluded coves of Agonda and Palolem, each beach has its own unique vibe.

Beyond its beaches, Goa has a wealth of cultural and historical treasures. The state's capital, Panaji, features Portuguese colonial architecture, winding streets, and spice-filled markets.

Goa is also known for its lively festivals, including Carnival and Shigmo, which showcase traditional music, dance, and cuisine.

Goa is focusing on spiritual and eco-tourism

After a dip in visitors due to the impact of COVID-19, Goa's Department of Tourism has increased its focus on spiritual tourism, cultural tourism, eco-tourism, and conference tourism. A new airport is opening, and more luxury hotels are also pegged to open.

According to Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS Secretary (Tourism), the department wants to target “high-quality tourists” and encourage them to stay longer.

"We want them [tourists] to experience waterfalls, spice gardens, the temples and the festivals,” Ahuja adds.

Along with sand rakes, beaches, and lush landscapes, Goa has plenty to offer curious visitors. Here are our top picks for unmissable experiences.

Houseboats: Cruising the backwaters of Goa

Houseboat experiences in Goa offer a unique opportunity to explore the region's picturesque backwaters and float past natural beauty.

These traditional wooden boats, known locally as ‘kettuvallams’, have been a part of Goa's cultural heritage for centuries and provide a peaceful retreat away from the busy tourist area.

Step aboard a wooden boat and glide by Goa's lush mangrove forests and small fishing villages, and spot local wildlife .

The Mandovi River, in particular, is a popular destination for houseboat cruises. These cruises offer panoramic views of Goa's verdant landscapes and riverside vistas.

Choose from day cruises, sunset cruises, overnight stays, or multi-day excursions to explore remote and lesser-known areas of the backwaters.

Temples and churches: Discover spiritual sites in Goa

Explore Goa's ancient temples, each a testament to the region's rich cultural tapestry, to learn more about its spiritual legacy.

Visit the UNESCO -listed Bom Jesus Basilica, a 16th-century marvel renowned for its exquisite Baroque architecture and housing the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, a prominent Jesuit missionary.

One of the most revered temples in Goa is the Shree Mangesh temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated in the village of Mangeshi in Ponda taluka, this temple is renowned for its exquisite architecture, intricate carvings, and spiritual significance.

Another must-visit temple in Goa is the Shanta Durga Temple, dedicated to Goddess Shantadurga, the goddess of peace and harmony. Located in the village of Kavalem, this temple is an architectural marvel, with its towering spires, ornate pillars, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

The deity is depicted seated on a lotus flower, flanked by two lions, symbolising strength and courage.

Goa's most beautiful beaches: Stretch out on sandy shorelines

Goa is well known for its laid-back beaches and secluded coves where you can sunbathe, swim, hop on a jet ski, and rip along the waves.

Calangute Beach, often called the ‘Queen of Beaches’, is one of the most popular beaches in Goa.

Stretching for miles along the Arabian Sea, the beach is dotted with shacks, cafes, and water sports operators offering various activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides.

Adjacent to Calangute Beach lies Baga Beach , famous for its golden sands, colourful fishing boats and energetic vibe.

It's a hotspot of Goan nightlife and is lined with beachfront clubs, bars, and restaurants where you can feast on traditional cuisine and hit the dancefloor as dusk falls.

Agonda Beach and Palolem Beach are ideal for a more serene beach setting. Located in South Goa, these beaches are renowned for their pristine beauty, soft golden sands, and crystal-clear waters.

World Heritage Sites: Discover Goa's rich history

UNESCO has honoured some of the magnificent monuments in Old Goa with world heritage status.

These impressive sites, recognised for their outstanding universal value, spotlight Goa's enduring cultural significance.

Constructed in the late 16th century, the Basilica of Bom Jesus showcases exquisite Baroque architecture, with intricately carved wooden altars and frescoes depicting scenes from St. Francis Xavier's life.

Adjacent to the basilica stand the Ruins of the Church of St. Augustine, another UNESCO World Heritage Site that echoes the region's colonial past.

Built by Augustinian friars in the 16th century, the church was one of the largest in Goa until it fell into disrepair and was eventually abandoned in the 19th century.

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi and Convent, situated in Old Goa, is another architectural gem that forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ensemble.

Built by Franciscan friars in the 17th century, the church features a striking façade adorned with intricately carved statues and reliefs depicting scenes from St. Francis of Assisi's life.

Spice gardens offer a fragrant journey through Goa

Goa is famous for its exotic spice plantation farms. India is a world leader in the production and export of spices, and spice farms offer insight into agricultural heritage and spice cultivation practices.

Tropical Spice Plantation provides a sensory journey through its sprawling grounds. Spanning over 100 acres, this plantation is home to diverse spices, herbs, and tropical fruits cultivated using organic and sustainable farming methods.

Guided tours are led by knowledgeable hosts who provide insights into cultivating, harvesting, and processing spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and nutmeg.

The Sahakari Spice Farm, located in the picturesque village of Curti in Ponda, is another renowned spice destination in Goa. Spread across acres of fertile land, this family-owned farm has cultivated spices for generations, preserving age-old traditions and techniques passed down through the ages.

Guided tours of the farm offer visitors a holistic experience, encompassing spice plantations, herbal gardens, and traditional Goan architecture.

We use cookies to ensure best experience for you

We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalize content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audience is coming from. You can also read our privacy policy , We use cookies to ensure the best experience for you on our website.

• Leaders Speak
• Brand Solutions
• Goa tourism minister meets Mopa airport developer ahead of launch

• Updated On May 18, 2022 at 10:35 AM IST

Goa Tourism minister warns against illegal activities on beaches

The minister called for better coordination between the Goa police, Director of tourism, beach-cleaning agency and lifesaving agency to ensure that beaches are clean and safe for tourists.

• Published On May 18, 2022 at 10:02 AM IST

All Comments

By commenting, you agree to the Prohibited Content Policy

Find this Comment Offensive?

• Foul Language
• Inciting hatred against a certain community
• Out of Context / Spam

Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals

Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis., download ettravelworld app.

• Get Realtime updates
• Save your favourite articles

• Goa new airport
• rohan khaunte
• gmr goa international airport ltd
• gmr goa international airport limited

• Business News
• India Business News

MakeMyTrip partners with Goa government: All the details

About the Author

The TOI Tech Desk is a dedicated team of journalists committed to delivering the latest and most relevant news from the world of technology to readers of The Times of India. TOI Tech Desk’s news coverage spans a wide spectrum across gadget launches, gadget reviews, trends, in-depth analysis, exclusive reports and breaking stories that impact technology and the digital universe. Be it how-tos or the latest happenings in AI, cybersecurity, personal gadgets, platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and more; TOI Tech Desk brings the news with accuracy and authenticity. Read More

Visual Stories

PPF Calculator

This financial tool allows one to resolve their queries related to Public Provident Fund account.

FD Calculator

When investing in a fixed deposit, the amount you deposit earns interest as per the prevailing...

NPS Calculator

The National Pension System or NPS is a measure to introduce a degree of financial stability...

Mutual Fund Calculator

Mutual Funds are one of the most incredible investment strategies that offer better returns...

Other Times Group News Sites

Popular categories, hot on the web, trending topics, living and entertainment, latest news.

• UPLOAD YOUR RECIPE
• STYLE & BEAUTY
• UNLIMIT AWARDS 2024
• RELATIONSHIPS

Want To Chill On Calangute Beach In Goa? You Just Might Have To Pay Tax For It

Goa addicts might not like this but a tax is quite likely to be levied if they want to live it up at this hotspot as the Calangute village panchayat shows concern towards the mess tourists leave behind.

Published On Jun 10, 2024 | Updated On Jun 10, 2024

Goa’s Calangute Village and beach is under the spotlight again and this time tourists are to be blamed. Given the massive influx of visitors to this hotspot each year, what with the ‘off season in Goa’ no longer that predominant, the village panchayat is worried, and not without reason. One of the hottest party spots in Goa, tourists have been coming by the hundreds and not cleaning up after themselves and littering the place. 

Given that Goa has been taking its tourism business quite seriously in the past year or so, focusing on the environmental impact because of tourists and making an effort to regularise footfall, it was about time that steps were taken to ensure that people don’t over do it. 

Less than a week ago, Joseph Sequeira, the Calangute sarpanch, said that the village panchayat of north Goa would hold a meeting which eventually led to the decision that tourists would either have to show proof of hotel reservation or pay tax for entry into its limits. 

"The panchayat would adopt the resolution and forward it to the district collector in Panaji for further action. Once approved, its implementation will happen from the next tourist season (starting in October)," he said, adding that the decision to impose entry tax was taken in order to maintain cleanliness and decency and reduce the traffic issues faced by the local residents, Sequeira said in a statement.

This step came close to the heels of the 62nd anniversary for the Liberation of Goa where the State also took a step closer to the conservation of the environment. Announced by Rohan Khaunte, the minister of tourism for the State, the new initiative towards regenerative tourism will not only promote environmental restoration but also cultural preservation, and community empowerment. 

Aligning itself to the values and aspirations of the famous Manila Declaration of World Tourism of 1980 and the more recent G20 tourism ministers working group meet in Goa that came up with the Goa roadmap for tourism as a vehicle for achieving the sustainable development goals, the department of tourism in Goa promises to transform the state into a model for regenerative tourism in India. 

Addressing concerns about environmental issues, habitat destruction, and waste generation, this path emphasises community-centric, eco-friendly initiatives, responsible tourism practices, and sustainable infrastructure.