State pitches tourism-driven aviation policies, international connectivity, and multimodal infrastructure to boost regional growth
Mumbai, July 17, 2025 – The Government of Goa has unveiled a strategic vision to integrate tourism and aviation at the Western Region Civil Aviation Ministers’ Conference held in Mumbai under the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). Led by Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, under the guidance of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, the state presented key proposals to enhance aviation-led tourism, skill development, and international connectivity.
The conference, part of a nationwide initiative to strengthen Centre–State collaboration, was attended by Union Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, and Minister of State for Civil Aviation Shri Murlidhar Mohol, alongside senior officials from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and the Union Territories of Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
Tourism-Aviation Synergy for Inclusive Growth
Addressing the gathering, Shri Khaunte emphasized that aviation and tourism must advance together to create jobs, strengthen regional integration, and enhance India’s global visibility. He credited Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visionary initiatives such as Dekho Apna Desh and Chalo India for revitalizing domestic and inbound tourism. He also thanked Union Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu for fostering a collaborative aviation ecosystem where States are equal partners in growth.
Key Proposals for National Policy Alignment
Goa’s strategic submissions included:
Advocating a tourism-oriented Open Skies policy for direct long-haul connectivity to Europe and the UK.
Requesting Goa’s inclusion in bilateral Air Service Agreement negotiations to enable wide-body aircraft operations.
Fast-tracking the Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) facility and establishing a Flight Training Organization (FTO) at Manohar International Airport, Mopa.
Introducing a national airline incentive scheme to ensure the viability of long-haul and regional routes.
Reinstating key domestic sectors like Goa–Dehradun and adding new regional connections to Kolhapur, Velankanni, and Tirupati.
Supporting emerging aviation sectors such as helicopter connectivity, seaplane services, and drone innovation under the Drone Didi initiative.
Proposing India’s first integrated air–sea tourism hub linking Dabolim Airport with Vasco Cruise Terminal.
Developing an Aero-Sports and Drone Innovation Hub for skydiving, hot air ballooning, drone racing, and microlight aviation.
Boosting Skilling and EmploymentThe state also highlighted the success of its Aviation Skill Development Centre (ASDC), which has trained over 1,100 youth in the past two years, ensuring nearly 100% placements in the aviation sector.
Goa reaffirmed its commitment to cooperative federalism, inclusive growth, and a future-ready aviation economy that complements India’s rapidly evolving tourism landscape.
About the Government of Goa
The Government of Goa is dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism, infrastructure development, and skill enhancement to position the state as a leading tourism and aviation hub in India. Through strategic partnerships with the Centre, it aims to create a model for tourism-driven economic growth.