Goa Tourism is strengthening its engagement with the UK travel market at World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026, being held from November 3–5, with a focus on expanding industry partnerships, reinforcing air connectivity and promoting Goa’s appeal as a destination for longer stays and workations. With the winter charter season underway, the state is showcasing a wider range of experiences to British travellers, extending beyond its renowned coastline to include heritage, culture, wellness, nature, wildlife and hinterland tourism.
The Goa Pavilion was inaugurated yesterday by Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of India, in the presence of Ms. Sudha Murty, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Mr. Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, Mr. Sandip Jacques, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Tourism), Government of Goa, Mr. Shawn Mendes, Officer on Special Duty to the Hon’ble Tourism Minister, and other dignitaries and industry stakeholders.
Mr. Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, said, “The UK has a longstanding and valued relationship with Goa and continues to be an important international source market for the state. Our participation at WTM London is focused on strengthening this relationship, working more closely with British travel partners and exploring opportunities to improve air connectivity. The winter charter operations from Manchester and Gatwick are an important part of this engagement. We also want to encourage UK travellers to discover more of Goa and consider longer, more immersive stays. Beyond its coastline, Goa offers heritage, village life, wellness, cuisine, nature and a rich cultural calendar, making it a destination to experience throughout the year. We are also keen to position Goa as an attractive choice for remote professionals looking to combine work with an extended stay in a distinctive lifestyle destination.”
The UK remains a priority international market for Goa, supported by longstanding travel links, people-to-people connections and a strong Goan and Indian diaspora. The commencement of winter charter operations from Manchester and Gatwick, operated through Le Passage to India (TUI Group), marks an important part of the state’s engagement with the British market. The programme is expected to operate four direct charter flights per week, bringing British holidaymakers to Goa during the winter season.
Goa is also taking steps to strengthen its wider aviation ecosystem.
In addition, a provision of ₹20m rupees under the Inbound Tour Operators’ Incentive Scheme 2026 is intended to encourage international charter operations and support connectivity with overseas source markets. The state continues to engage with airlines, charter operators and international tour operators to sustain existing services and explore opportunities for additional connectivity.
At WTM, Goa is presenting a tourism proposition that goes beyond the traditional beach holiday. The state is highlighting its heritage neighbourhoods, hinterland villages, culinary traditions, wellness offerings, nature trails, spiritual circuits and cultural events to encourage visitors to explore more of Goa and stay longer.
The proposition also extends to remote professionals and workation travellers seeking a destination that combines work, leisure and lifestyle. With its mix of coastal and village settings, hospitality, wellness experiences and cultural attractions, Goa offers opportunities for visitors to experience the state at a more relaxed pace while engaging with local businesses and communities.
Goa’s WTM participation is complemented by roadshows and industry meetings with key international travel trade stakeholders, providing opportunities to connect with travel agents, tour operators, destination management companies and other partners, particularly across important UK markets.
This year’s WTM theme, Resilience, Rebound & Reinvention: The Next Era of Global Travel, reflects the changing dynamics of international tourism and the growing importance of diversified destination experiences.
Through its participation in London and wider UK trade engagement, Goa Tourism aims to build on its established relationship with Britain, strengthen winter air connectivity and introduce more travellers to a destination that offers experiences throughout the year.
