Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has said select sites in Goa may be proposed for a national scheme to develop 50 destinations to global standards, Herald Goa reported on 1 November 2026. He said a large convention centre for Goa is under consideration. He also said the Old Goa interpretation centre could be moved if the state finds another site. He made the remarks at a press conference in Goa. The report did not give a cost, a timeline or the names of the sites.
Goa is one of India’s most visited beach destinations and depends heavily on tourism for jobs and revenue. A convention centre would help the state attract MICE business, which means meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. Such events fill hotels on weekdays and outside the main holiday season. Goa hotels have faced weaker air links on some routes this season, with fewer flights from Ahmedabad and Bengaluru. Inclusion in the national scheme would bring central funds for roads, amenities and promotion at the chosen sites.
Our view is that the convention centre matters more to Goa hotels than the destination scheme, because it targets weekday and monsoon demand. Large hotels in north and south Goa with meeting space gain most, while small guest houses gain little from conference traffic. Coverage has not named the sites, the funding or who will build and run the centre, so this is still a proposal. Earlier plans for a Goa convention centre have been discussed for years without a firm start. We expect no construction on a convention centre within 12 months, but we expect Goa to submit its sites for the national scheme within six months. Confidence: low.
This is important for our readers because central funding could change where demand grows in Goa. If you run a Goa hotel with meeting rooms, ask the state tourism department about the convention centre plan this week. If you operate near Old Goa, follow any decision on the interpretation centre site. Keep your MICE rate cards ready for the next season.
Sources:
Herald Goa, 1 Nov 2026
Business Standard, 1 Nov 2026
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