Goa minister pitches plus-one economy to lengthen tourist stays

Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has urged the hospitality industry to adopt a "Plus One Economy" model that encourages tourists to extend their stays and spend more rather than simply increasing footfall. Speaking at the 56th annual convention of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India in Varanasi, Khaunte said the next growth phase for tourism should focus on one more night, one more experience, and one more part of India to be discovered.

Khaunte said Goa is already moving in this direction through its "Tourism Beyond Beaches" campaign, which promotes hinterland, village, meditation and spiritual circuits, and wellness offerings. He suggested that homestays, temple visits, forest experiences, and wellness centres could make visitors stay an additional night. He also urged the industry to invest in wellness infrastructure, noting that Goa has notified its Wellness Policy and is exploring fiscal incentives for new wellness centres.

The minister called for closer government-industry collaboration to help young entrepreneurs, local guides, chefs, and technology startups access capital, management expertise, and markets. He also stressed greater integration among airlines, hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and the government to build stronger tourism ecosystems rather than simply adding capacity. The three-day convention runs from August 21 to 23.