New Delhi: There is great news for tourists visiting Goa! The Murmugao Port Authority (MPA) has announced that a new international and domestic passenger cruise terminal will be built in Goa by March 2025. The construction of this terminal will further boost tourism in Goa, as well as benefit the local economy.

40% increase expected in cruise passengers

A senior MPA official said that the number of cruise passengers is expected to increase by 40% this year (2023-2024), and this number may increase even more in the coming time. Goa's tourism industry was badly affected after the Corona epidemic, but now the influx of foreign and domestic guests is increasing rapidly. Given this increasing cruise traffic, the need for a new cruise terminal was felt, which will be ready by next year.

Duty-free shop, lounge, and food court facilities

At the Maritime State Development Council meeting held in Goa on September 12 and 13, MPA officials said that the movement of cruise ships at Murmugao port is increasing rapidly. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also visited the proposed new building, which will have an international and domestic cruise terminal equipped with modern facilities. It will have 24 immigration counters, 10 check-in counters, a waiting lounge, and many other facilities. Along with this, services like duty-free shops, lounges, and food courts will also be available for the passengers, which will make their experience even better.

Goa's tourism shines again after Corona.

Goa's tourism industry suffered huge losses during Corona. The number of tourists fell by up to 90%. But now due to the efforts made by the Goa government, such as 'International Charter Assistance' and 'Tourism Trade Assistance' schemes, Goa's beaches have once again become crowded with domestic and foreign tourists.

Big increase in tourism in 2023

There is a 15% increase in the number of cruise ships and a 40% increase in the number of passengers in 2023-24. According to government data, 4.03 lakh foreign tourists visited Goa in the first 11 months of 2023. At the same time, in 2019, Goa welcomed 71 lakh domestic and 10 lakh foreign tourists.

Tourism gives a boost to Goa's economy.

Goa's tourism industry is the mainstay of the state's economy. About 20% of the tourists visiting India choose Goa as their first choice. The construction of a new cruise terminal will give a further boost to tourism, which will also strengthen the state's economy.