Dubai’s tourism growth has garnered praise from Rohan Khaunte, the Minister of Tourism of Goa, India.
In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business during the 2024 edition of the Arabian Travel Market held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Khaunte highlighted Dubai as a destination that offers valuable insights for the tourism industry. He noted Dubai’s continuous evolution from its past to its present state and the diverse attractions drawing visitors beyond traditional MICE offerings.
Khaunte emphasized the importance of events like the Arabian Travel Market for understanding industry expectations and engaging with representatives from various countries.
Discussing tourism plans for Goa, Khaunte emphasized a shift towards ‘regenerative and responsible’ tourism, aiming to showcase the Indian state’s diverse offerings beyond its renowned beaches. He highlighted the changing preferences of travellers post-COVID-19, with a growing interest in exploring destinations beyond conventional tourism.
Foreign tourist arrivals in Goa surged by 138.69 percent as of November 2023 compared to the previous year, with over 7.6 million visitors. Khaunte underscored tourism’s significant contribution to Goa’s GDP, with approximately 16.43 percent attributed to the sector and nearly 35 percent of direct and indirect employment.
Acknowledging the evolving preferences of international tourists, Khaunte emphasized the importance of adapting Goa’s tourism offerings to meet their desires, ensuring continuous development and improvement.
