The inbound season across India normally kicks off the first week of October every year. Goa welcomes 349 international tourists, who arrived on the first charter flights on October 2, 2024, at Goa’s Manohar International Airport in Mopa.
Mr Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Goa and the officials from Goa Tourism were present at Mopa Airport to welcome the Russian tourists, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing the tourist experience in the state.
According to Mr Roahn Khaunte, the 2024-25 inbound tourism season officially began on October 2, 2024, with the arrival of two chartered flights from Russia, signalling the start of what promises to be a thriving season for the state’s tourism industry. The first flight, operated by Aeroflot, arrived from Moscow with 210 passengers, followed by a second flight from Yekaterinburg carrying 139 passengers, both landing at Manohar International Airport in Mopa. These chartered flights brought a total of 349 tourists, marking the first major international arrivals after the monsoon season.
A leading name in charter operations in India, Kerala-based Concord Exotic Voyages has been bringing charter flights from Russia and other CIS countries for the past few years.
Mr. James Kodianthara, Executive Director of Concord Exotic Voyages said, the company works closely with 37 leading top tour operators in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) markets. “Each year, we conduct over 25 marketing trips to countries such as Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, and this season looks especially promising. We expect to handle more than 28,000 tourists, an increase from the 23,890 we welcomed last year,” said Mr James. “While we typically see more bookings for three- and four-star hotels from Russian tourists, we’ve seen a significant uptick in luxury bookings as well. Several agents specializing in high-end travel have started bringing in more affluent clients, which is great for the premium hotel segment.”
The support from Goa Tourism and the Government of Goa helped us to bring the regular charters to this beautiful beach destination in India, and the hotels in Goa also are very keen to receive the guest, Mr James further added.
According to Mr. Sheik Ismail, Vice President and Head of Charter Operations Sales of Concord Exotic Voyages, Goa has historically been a popular destination for Russian tourists, with its sunny beaches, vibrant nightlife, and laid-back culture. However, Ismail noted that the current market conditions, including competition from other Southeast Asian destinations like Thailand and Vietnam, are posing challenges. “The increase in flights to destinations such as Thailand and Vietnam has intensified competition, and airfares to Goa from many European destinations are higher. But we are working hard with local hoteliers to maintain competitive rates and ensure bookings continue to rise.”
The two flights represent the beginning of a larger charter operation, with six weekly Aeroflot flights scheduled from Russia to Goa throughout the peak season, which runs from October to May for Russian visitors. In addition to Russian charters, flights from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are also set to arrive, beginning with Kazakhstan’s first charter on October 26, and Uzbekistan’s on October 27. These flights will operate until March, contributing significantly to Goa’s international tourist influx
. The Tourism Minister praised Concord Exotic Voyages and offered all support from the government side for the marketing and promotion of Goa Tourism in the UK and Europe, especially in CIS countries. The tourism stakeholders, local Panchayat and Municipalities play a major role in addressing any issues tourists may face and promise continued cooperation between the Tourism Department and stakeholders.
Mr. Rohan Khaunte added, “The Goa government is dedicated to boosting tourism activities, and we have been working on creating a seamless experience for both domestic and international tourists,”. “Goa is not just about its beaches anymore. We are actively promoting the state’s hinterlands and greener regions, which are gaining popularity due to our regenerative tourism campaigns. We are delighted to see tourists arriving earlier this year, even before the winter season fully kicks in.”
The arrival of the first two charter flights sparked optimism among the local tourism stakeholders, and the festive mood was evident at the airport, where the Goa Tourism Department organized a traditional folk dance performance to greet the passengers. This welcoming ceremony set the tone for a vibrant and successful season.
The hospitality sector in Goa is also gearing up to welcome the influx of international tourists. Many hotels offer attractive allocations and competitive rates for charter groups, making Goa an appealing destination for travellers across different budget ranges. Ismail highlighted the strong partnerships between local hoteliers and tour operators, saying, “Most hotels are not only offering excellent rates for charter tourists but are also actively participating in our marketing campaigns in the CIS region.”
With 178 flights planned for the season, Concord Exotic Voyages and other tour operators are preparing for a steady flow of international tourists, especially from Russia and other CIS countries. Ismail expressed optimism about the long-term prospects, saying, “While bookings from Russia have been a little slower than expected due to global market conditions, we are confident the numbers will pick up as the season progresses. We’ve also seen a surge in demand for high-end properties, which is a positive shift.”
The government of Goa is actively supporting these efforts, with plans to improve tourist infrastructure and services across the state. As part of this effort, Manohar International Airport recently launched the “GOX Pass,” an exclusive privilege program offering discounts of up to 50% at over 34 partner outlets across Goa, including dining, shopping, and wellness experiences. This initiative is expected to enhance the visitor experience and encourage more long-stay tourists.
As Goa prepares for its peak season, stakeholders are optimistic that 2024-25 will be a banner year for the state’s tourism industry, despite the challenges posed by international competition. With a mix of traditional beach tourism and a growing focus on eco-friendly and regenerative travel, Goa is positioning itself as a versatile destination for travellers globally.
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