Porvorim, Mar 06: In a strong reaffirmation of the State’s commitment to tourism-led growth, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant announced a significant allocation of ₹385 crore for the Tourism Department during the ongoing Goa Legislative Assembly Budget Session. Out of the ₹385 crore, ₹269 crore is allocated under the revenue account and ₹116 crore under the capital expenditure.. The announcement comes at a time when the State continues to witness robust tourism growth, with total tourist arrivals reaching 1.08 crore in 2025, marking a 10% increase compared to the previous year, alongside a 20% rise in foreign tourist arrivals.
Welcoming the announcement, Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte stated “The allocation of ₹385 crore for the tourism sector reflects the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening Goa’s tourism ecosystem through strategic investments in infrastructure, skills, and sustainable destination development. With initiatives such as the Destination Management framework, wellness tourism policies, and enhanced hospitality training, we are focused on creating high-quality, integrated tourism experiences that benefit visitors while ensuring long-term value for our communities and environment.”
The Chief Minister highlighted that the allocation will support strategic tourism infrastructure development, destination enhancement, and new initiatives aimed at strengthening Goa’s global tourism competitiveness. As part of these efforts, the Government will introduce an Inbound Tour Operators’ Incentive Scheme worth ₹2 crore to revive and encourage charter flight operations and boost international tourist inflow.
Reinforcing Goa’s positioning as a leading wellness destination, the Chief Minister announced that the Goa Wellness and Ayurveda Policy 2026 will be implemented with a structured regulatory and accreditation framework for wellness centres and practitioners. Complementing this initiative, the State will establish a new AYUSH Department this year, along with the organisation of AYUSH wellness camps across Goa.
Further strengthening the tourism ecosystem, the Government will partner with a leading 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 capacity building for the hospitality sector, ensuring a highly trained workforce to meet the evolving demands of global tourism. Further strengthening institutional frameworks for tourism infrastructure, the Government has allocated ₹3 crore to formulate a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) policy, which will facilitate structured collaborations with private stakeholders for tourism development projects.
The Chief Minister also announced that 32 tourism-related projects undertaken by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) are scheduled for completion during the current financial year, further strengthening tourism infrastructure across the State. An allocation of ₹1.04 crore has been earmarked for beautification works associated with these projects, aimed at enhancing visitor experience and improving destination aesthetics.
Highlighting broader development initiatives that will complement tourism growth, the Government announced ₹180 crore for the redevelopment of Vasco city, while the Mopa City project is set to be developed with a focus on wellness, trade and sports infrastructure through central government funding. Both projects are expected to commence this year and will contribute significantly to regional economic activity and visitor experiences.
The Chief Minister further noted that the Directorate of Planning, Statistics and Evaluation is preparing a comprehensive roadmap for “Viksit Goa”, aimed at positioning the State as a frontrunner in sustainable and inclusive development. Looking at larger destination development initiatives, the Chief Minister stated that the State Government will seek ₹500 crore from the Central Government to implement a Destination Management Scheme that will focus on developing integrated and sustainable tourism experiences across Goa.
In line with promoting spiritual tourism and strengthening cultural connections across the country, the Government has allocated ₹25 crore for the purchase of land in Ayodhya for the construction of Ram Nivas, with work scheduled to begin this year. The State is also in the process of acquiring land to develop Vithal Rakhumai Yatri Nivas at Pandharpur and Valankani
With focused investments in infrastructure, skills, wellness tourism, connectivity, and international market revival, the State Government reiterated its commitment to strengthening Goa’s position as one of India’s most dynamic and diverse tourism destinations.
