Panaji, Goa, Aug 06: In a significant boost to Goa’s tourism sector, Goa’s Tourism Minister, Shri. Rohan A. Khaunte announced today that the Hon’ble Union Home Minister, Shri. Amit Shah has approved the activation of the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) for Goa, paving the way for seamless immigration through automated e-gates at the State’s airports. The announcement follows Minister Khaunte’s meetings with Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah and Union Minister for Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi, where a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen Goa’s tourism ecosystem through improved connectivity, policy reforms and strategic infrastructure were discussed.
FTI-TTP to Enhance Ease of Travel and Strengthen Goa’s Tourism Competitiveness
During his meeting with the Union Home Minister, Shri. Khaunte highlighted Goa’s growing tourism potential and the need to leverage its robust air, road, rail and water connectivity to further accelerate visitor growth. Minister Khaunte explained how the FTI-TTP, already operational at several major airports across India, would significantly improve the travel experience by enabling registered passengers to complete immigration formalities through biometric-enabled e-gates in under 30 seconds, eliminating long queues and manual processing.
Shri Khaunte emphasised that Goa’s airports are well-positioned for the programme and outlined the multiple benefits it would bring to the State. The approved initiative is expected to:
– Improve the travel experience for Indian passengers, including the large Goan diaspora, seafarers, students and professionals travelling overseas.
– Encourage international and domestic travellers to choose Goa as their preferred entry and exit point due to faster immigration clearance.
– Position Goa advantageously when the programme is extended to foreign nationals under the next phase.
Welcoming the Union Home Minister’s prompt approval, Shri. Rohan Khaunte said: “The activation of FTI-TTP in Goa is a transformative step towards enhancing the ease of travel for both Indian and international passengers. Faster immigration, improved passenger convenience and seamless airport experience will strengthen Goa’s competitiveness as an international tourism gateway while directly benefiting our tourism economy and Goan travellers. I thank Shri Amit Shah ji for his understanding and approval, which will be a boon for Goa’s tourism industry.”
Key Tourism Reforms Proposed to the Centre
Minister Khaunte also submitted several proposals aimed at strengthening Goa’s global tourism competitiveness, including:
– Extending Visa-on-Arrival facilities to Goa to improve international tourist arrivals.
– Providing periodic anonymised Bureau of Immigration arrival data to assist destination planning and targeted international marketing.
– Introducing a Digital Nomad Visa, enabling international remote workers and freelancers to stay and work from Goa for extended periods, thereby supporting the State’s workation ecosystem and increasing average visitor stays.
The Union Home Minister assured that these proposals would be examined while immediately approving the activation of the FTI-TTP programme for Goa.
Meeting with Union Tourism Minister Focused on Connectivity and Future Growth
In his meeting with Union Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Shri Khaunte discussed emerging global tourism trends, changing travel patterns and strategies to strengthen Goa’s position amid evolving international market conditions. The discussions focused extensively on improving both domestic and international air connectivity.
The Minister highlighted the need for:
– Greater international scheduled connectivity beyond Goa’s traditional source markets.
– Improved bilateral air service arrangements and enhanced seat entitlements.
– Increased deployment of wide-body aircraft on international sectors.
– Better connectivity from Tier-II and Tier-III Indian cities.
– Prioritising Goa within airline network planning.
Infrastructure and New Tourism Opportunities
The meeting also reviewed ongoing Central support for tourism infrastructure in Goa under various schemes, including:
– Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum at Ponda.
– Porvorim Town Square.
– Swadesh Darshan Coastal Circuit projects.
– Rural Tourism Circuit connecting Porvorim–Pomburpa–Harvalem.
The Minister also proposed additional tourism infrastructure projects, including support for developing a plug-and-play concert ecosystem, strengthening the emerging concert economy, enhancing cruise tourism through Mormugao Port, and creating new tourism infrastructure that generates employment and supports local communities.
Shri Shekhawat assured continued support from the Government of India towards Goa’s tourism development and appreciated the State’s proactive initiatives, including airline incentive policies, homestay promotion and destination diversification.
Goa’s Tourism Transformation Continues
Shri Khaunte reiterated that Goa’s tourism transformation over the past four years has focused on positioning the State as a year-round destination through initiatives such as Goa Beyond Beaches, wellness tourism, hinterland experiences, eco-tourism, culinary tourism, adventure tourism, monsoon tourism and workation. He said these efforts have expanded Goa’s tourism offerings beyond its traditional sun, sand and sea identity while attracting new visitor segments and creating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.
“Our vision is to position Goa as India’s most connected, accessible and future-ready tourism destination. Every initiative – from faster immigration and improved connectivity to new tourism products and infrastructure – is aimed at enhancing visitor experience while creating greater economic opportunities for our people. We are grateful to the Government of India for its continued support in helping Goa realise this vision.”