Panaji, Goa — Israeli Consul for Tourism Affairs in India Galit Hoffman said on December 4 that launching direct flights between Goa and Tel Aviv would be a “game-changer” for tourism and business ties between the two regions.
Hoffman noted that currently about 20,000–30,000 Israelis visit Goa each year, and a direct air link could substantially raise that figure by attracting more families, business travellers and other visitor segments. She said direct connectivity would broaden the market beyond holidaymakers to include professionals and niche travel groups.
Describing Goa as an important destination for Israeli travellers, Hoffman pointed out that many visitors to India already include the coastal state in their itineraries. She emphasized Goa’s strong reputation among Israelis and the potential not only for inbound visits to Goa but also for increased outbound travel from Goa to Israel.
Hoffman said she held productive talks with the Goa Tourism Minister, with direct flights topping the agenda. She called the route a priority, saying that if established it would change the current tourism landscape.
A nonstop flight between Goa and Tel Aviv would take roughly five and a half hours, Hoffman added, and several Israeli carriers have expressed interest in exploring such services to India, particularly to Goa.
She also referenced Israel’s streamlined visa process introduced last year, saying it has helped boost Indian travel to Israel and that continued improvements could support two-way tourism growth. Hoffman said both sides are keen to push the initiative forward and capitalize on the strong mutual potential for visitors and business links.
