Panaji, Oct 31 (TNN): Goa tourism can now hope to increase free independent travellers (FIT) segment of tourists to Goa as another direct flight from the Middle East starts from next month. From November 14 onwards, Jet Airways is starting a direct Abu Dhabi-Goa flight.

Currently, direct flights to Goa from four destinations from the Middle East such as Dubai, Kuwait, Sharjah and Doha are available.

Airports Authority of India (AAI) director at Dabolim airport, K Srinivasa Rao, confirmed the starting of a direct flight from Abu Dhabi.

Francisco de Braganca, president of travel and tourism association of Goa (TTAG), said this will certainly boost tourism in Goa, and it is "good news" in view of predictions of a likely fall in the charter arrivals to Goa for this season.

Goa tourism can really hope to expand its FIT segment in a big way if more direct flights land in Goa.

While there are no figures available about FITs visiting Goa, it is not big as charter business still holds sway.

Last season, 4.45 lakh international tourists visited Goa with a major chunk arriving on charter flights, mostly from Russia.

Braganca said addition of a direct flight from Abu Dhabi will encourage FIT movement, as it clears hassles that a traveller has to undergo if he has to change a flight to reach his final destination.

"When people go on a holiday, they don't like to spend long hours at airports and change flights to reach their holiday destination. They just want to reach their final destination without delays," pointed out Braganca.

Also, another player jumping into the fray will have a positive impact on air fare.

There now being competition, travel will cost less. Currently, just two-three companies offer direct flight services to Goa.