Tag Archives: Goa

‘New cruise terminal in Goa to boost tourism, local economy’

With a 40 per cent rise in cruise passengers in FY 2023-24, the Mormugao Port Authority expects to grow it further with the construction of the International and Domestic Cruise Terminal in Goa by March 2025, an official said.

The development of the International and Domestic Cruise Terminal and allied facilities is expected to boost tourism and local economy while fostering sustainable practices and infrastructure improvements, thereby enhancing the region’s competitiveness in the global cruise market, the senior MPA official told PTI.

He was speaking on the sidelines of the Maritime States Development Council meeting held in Goa on September 12 and 13.
The increase in global cruise liner traffic has led to a significant rise in cruise ship arrivals at the Mormugao Port, positioning it for a substantial future growth, the official said.

In the 2023-24 financial year, there was an increase in calls by cruise vessels by 15 per cent and and rise in cruise passengers by 40 per cent compared to FY 2022-23, he said.

“The domestic cruise terminal will have 12 check-in counters, waiting lounges and other facilities. Ancillary commercial building will have an experiential shopping zone aimed at cruise tourists and will also be accessible to the general public,” he said. The terminal will have duty-free retain shops, lounges, food court and other facilities, the official added.

 

Uzbekistan Airways to commence direct Tashkent-Goa Mopa flights from Oct 27

Uzbekistan Airways is set to commence direct flights from Tashkent to Goa from October 27.

The twice-a-week flight will be operated between Uzbekistan’s capital city Tashkent and Manohar International Airport (Mopa) in North Goa with an Airbus A320 aircraft, it said.

The route will open up new avenues for tourism and cultural exchange between Uzbekistan and Goa, it stated.

The introduction of these flights comes after consistent follow-ups with the Uzbekistan Embassy and tour operators and with crucial support from the Indian Embassy in Tashkent, it said, adding that concerted efforts of the Goa Department of Tourism have played a critical role in making this connection a reality.

The new route aligns with the state’s broader strategy to diversify the tourist base and promote Goa as a year-round destination, it added.

 

Air India Express launches daily flights from Agartala to Guwahati & Kolkata

Air India Express has expanded its rapidly growing network by adding Agartala, the capital city of Tripura, as its 32nd domestic destination.

The airline launched daily direct flights from Agartala to Guwahati and Kolkata on Sunday, offering convenient one-stop connections to eight domestic destinations, including Delhi.

Additionally, Air India Express inaugurated new routes from Hyderabad to Guwahati, Bengaluru to Vijayawada, and Bengaluru to Indore, all commencing on the same day.

Agartala:

Air India Express operates 14 weekly flights from Agartala, providing daily direct services to Guwahati and Kolkata. The airline also offers convenient one-stop connections to Bhubaneswar, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Imphal, Jaipur, and Kochi.

Guwahati:

Air India Express operates 77 weekly flights from Guwahati, offering direct connections to eight destinations: Agartala, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Imphal, Jaipur, and Kolkata. The airline also provides one-stop connectivity to 20 domestic destinations, including Ayodhya, Goa, and Kozhikode, and to four international destinations: Bahrain, Dammam, Singapore, and Sharjah.

Kolkata:

Air India Express operates 124 weekly flights from Kolkata, connecting directly to 12 destinations, including Bhubaneswar, Bengaluru, Kochi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Imphal, Bagdogra, Jaipur, Chennai, Surat, and Varanasi. The airline also offers connectivity to 22 one-stop destinations, such as Abu Dhabi, Kozhikode, Kannur, Doha, Dubai, Lucknow, Kuwait, Thiruvananthapuram, and Gwalior.

Hyderabad:

Air India Express operates 187 weekly flights from Hyderabad, connecting directly to 18 domestic and three international destinations, including Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Dammam, Goa, Guwahati, Jaipur, Jeddah, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Riyadh, Srinagar, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Varanasi, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam. The airline also provides one-stop connections to 10 domestic destinations, such as Agartala, Ayodhya, and Gwalior, and nine international destinations, including Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Kuwait, Muscat, Salalah, Sharjah, and Singapore.

Bengaluru:

Air India Express operates 376 weekly flights from Bengaluru, connecting directly to 24 domestic destinations, such as Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Guwahati, Gwalior, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Ranchi, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Varanasi, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam, and to Abu Dhabi internationally. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connectivity to six domestic destinations, such as Agartala, Imphal, and Srinagar, and 12 international destinations, including Al Ain, Bahrain, Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat, Riyadh, Salalah, Sharjah, and Singapore.

Indore:

Air India Express operates flights from Indore, offering direct connections to three destinations: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Sharjah. The airline also provides one-stop connectivity to 18 destinations, such as Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Goa, Gwalior, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram, Varanasi, and Visakhapatnam, and to Jeddah internationally.

Vijayawada:

Air India Express operates 16 weekly departures from Vijayawada, offering direct connections to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Sharjah in United Arab Emirates. The airline also provides convenient one-stop itineraries to 18 domestic destinations, including Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Gwalior, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Mumbai, Pune, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram, Varanasi, and Visakhapatnam, as well as one international destination, Jeddah.

 

 

Flight Schedule from 1 September, 2024
From/ To Agartala
Departure Arrival Departure Time Arrival Time Frequency
Guwahati Agartala 10:15 11:20 Daily
Agartala Guwahati 11:50 12:45 Daily
Kolkata Agartala 07:30 08:30 Daily
Agartala Kolkata 09:00 10:05 Daily
Via Guwahati (No Aircraft Change)
Delhi Agartala 07:20 11:20 Daily
Agartala Delhi 11:50 16:05 Daily
From/ To Hyderabad
Hyderabad Guwahati 07:15 09:50 Daily
Guwahati Hyderabad 13:15 15:30 Daily
From/ To Bengaluru
Bengaluru Indore 11:10 13:00 Daily
Indore Bengaluru 13:30 15:30 Daily
Bengaluru Vijayawada 16:05 17:40 Daily
Vijayawada Bengaluru 18:10 19:50 Daily

 

 

 

FLY91 starts direct flights from Goa & Sindhudurg to Pune

 

In a move expected to boost regional tourism, FLY91, a regional airline based in Goa, will launch direct flights between Goa, Pune, and Sindhudurg starting August 31. The new routes include direct flights between Goa and Pune, operating on weekends, with two flights each on Saturdays and Sundays. Flight IC1376 will depart from Manohar International Airport in Goa at 06:35 and arrive in Pune at 07:40, while flight IC1375 will return from Pune at 10:55 and reach Goa at 12:10.

Additionally, FLY91 will introduce direct flights between Pune and Sindhudurg, marking the first air connection between these regions. Flight IC5302 will leave Pune at 08:05 and arrive in Sindhudurg at 09:10, with the return flight, IC5303, departing Sindhudurg at 09:30 and reaching Pune at 10:35.

These new routes are set to enhance travel convenience and stimulate tourism and business between the key destinations. Goa’s vibrant culture and beaches will be more accessible to Pune residents, and Sindhudurg’s scenic and historical attractions will be easier for travellers to explore.

Manoj Chacko, Founder and CEO, FLY91, highlighted the airline’s commitment to improving regional connectivity and plans for further expansion, aiming to connect over 50 cities in the next five years.

Tourism Minister Khaunte Experiences White water rafting in Mhadei

 

Minister for Tourism, Shri. Rohan A. Khaunte, recently took part in an exhilarating white water rafting adventure on the Mhadei River in Valpoi on 14th August 2024. This event underscores the government’s dedication to promoting diverse and sustainable tourism opportunities within Goa’s hinterlands. Accompanied by key officials, including Deputy Director Tourism Shri. Kuldeep Arolkar, OSD to Minister (Tourism) Shri. Shawn Mendes, OSD to Minister (IT) Shri. Neville Noronha, and Deputy General Manager & PRO Shri. Deepak Narvekar, the Minister’s participation spotlighted the lesser-known attractions of Goa, proving that the state offers much more than its famous beaches.

Tourism Minister Shri. Rohan A. Khaunte remarked, “Goa has always been celebrated for its beaches, coastal life, and vibrant party scene, but there is so much more to discover. Today, we experienced river rafting in Valpoi, Sattari—a refreshing and rejuvenating activity. It’s a perfect adventure for everyone, whether visiting with friends or family, offering a deeper understanding of what Goa truly represents. Beyond our beautiful coastline, we have a rich ecological life, expansive hinterlands, adventure sports, wellness activities, and more. This complements the Goan spirit of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava,’ where we extend our warmest hospitality. Come and explore a new side of tourism—Goa Beyond Beaches, the hinterlands, innovative tourism services, and the thrill of river rafting.”

Minister Khaunte’s engagement in the river rafting event demonstrates his commitment to fostering sustainable tourism in Goa. His active involvement is a testament to the government’s aim to develop tourism in a way that benefits local communities and the environment. The experience effectively highlighted the importance of regenerative tourism practices in Goa, ensuring that tourism activities positively impact the environment, local economy, and communities, ultimately leaving a lasting and beneficial imprint on the region.

Efforts contributing to wildlife conservation, the preservation of local flora, and the promotion of spiritual and religious tourism are crucial in maintaining the ecological balance of the region. As the state continues to promote and embrace the diverse offerings of Goa beyond its beaches, the Department of Tourism encourages everyone to uncover the hidden treasures of its hinterlands, where nature, culture, and adventure come together in perfect harmony.

Goa to get sixth Taj Hotel in INR 300 crore project

 

Bharat Realty Venture Pvt Ltd (BRVPL) announced on August 2 that the construction of the sixth Taj Hotel in North Goa’s Anjuna area will commence next month and is expected to be completed by September 2027. The 170-key sea-view hotel will be built on a 17-acre land parcel and will cost INR 300 crore. GTDC handed over the vacant site in April 2024, and construction will start in September 2024. The company stated that this will be the sixth Taj Hotel in Goa.

In July 2024, BRVPL announced its partnership with The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), operating under the Taj brand, by signing a management contract for the facility’s operation. BRVPL has entered into a 60-year lease with the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) for the land parcel. The company will build and operate the hotel at their own expense, having paid an upfront fee of INR 35 crore to GTDC and agreeing to pay 5% of the gross top-line revenues to GTDC.

The property will offer an unobstructed view of the Arabian Sea and will feature North Goa’s largest dining area with outdoor grounds, ideal for social gatherings and weddings. This partnership aims to redefine luxury and elevate the hospitality experience in one of India’s most sought-after destinations. Dhaval Barot, MD and CEO, BRVPL, highlighted that this venture marks their first in the hospitality sector, emphasising their shared vision of delivering exceptional hospitality experiences and contributing to Goa’s tourism landscape.

Besides this hospitality venture in Goa, BRVPL is involved in constructing luxury residential projects in Mumbai, with a presence in areas such as Andheri, Vile Parle, and Thane. Additionally, Delhi-NCR-based real estate developer DLF plans to launch 62 ultra-luxury villas in Goa, priced between INR 40 crore and INR 50 crore, in the second half of the financial year 2024-2025. This project, located on a hill named Reis Mago, is about 32 km from the Goa International Airport in Dabolim. According to Sotheby’s International Realty’s Luxury Outlook Survey 2024, Goa is a favored destination for 35% of holiday home buyers, reflecting its appeal among India’s wealthy. PropEquity reported a 90% appreciation in launch prices of residential units in Goa’s second-home destinations over the last five years.