Lumbini-Goa tourism circuit, direct Bhairahawa-Goa flight proposed

A proposal to link Goa in India and the Buddha's birthplace Lumbini into a single tourism circuit, and to start a direct Bhairahawa-Goa flight, has been submitted to the Goa state government.

The proposal was put forward by a Lumbini Province delegation of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce that attended the Vibrant Goa Global Business Summit 2026 in Goa.

The delegation, led by the chamber's provincial president Tanka Prasad Pokharel, met Goa's Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant. The meeting also touched on joint investment in tourism and the service industry.

Chief Minister Sawant said he viewed the potential for Nepal-Goa tourism and business partnership positively and that cooperation was possible.

The proposal covers running a direct air service to Gautam Buddha International Airport, making joint investments, and working together in the hotel and hospitality sector.

The Nepali delegation also presented a proposal for a Pokhara-Goa tourism partnership to the Goa government. The proposal aims to increase two-way tourist traffic between Lumbini, known for religious and cultural tourism, and Goa, famed for beach tourism.