Goa Records 6.23 per cent Growth in Tourist Arrivals; International Travel Up by 29.33 per cent

Goa Strengthens Year-Round Tourism with Record Growth and New Global Connections

Goa’s tourism sector has reported robust growth as the State welcomes the 2025–26 tourism season. Speaking to the media, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A Khaunte, announced that Goa recorded an overall growth of 6.23 per cent in tourist arrivals from January to September 2025 compared with the same period last year.

Domestic arrivals rose by 5.36 per cent, from 69,24,938 in 2024 to 72,96,068 in 2025, while international arrivals increased by 29.33 per cent, from 2,59,820 to 3,36,031. Shri Khaunte highlighted that tourism continues to contribute around 16.43 per cent to Goa’s GDP and generates 40–45 per cent of direct and indirect employment opportunities.

He further noted that, for the first time, Goa recorded growth during the monsoon months, a milestone reflecting the success of initiatives to promote year-round tourism.

The press conference was also attended by the Director of Tourism, Kedar Naik; the General Manager (Hotels & Marketing), GTDC, Gavin Dias; and the Deputy General Manager (Hotels & Marketing), GTDC, Deepak Narvekar.

Highlighting Goa’s growing global appeal, Shri Khaunte said that despite limited air capacity, the State has successfully expanded its connectivity to new destinations, including Ekaterinburg, Kazakhstan; Novosibirsk; and Moscow, recording 34 charter flights from Russia and Central Asia in October 2025 alone.

He added that TUI Airways, a leading UK-based charter company, will soon commence direct flights from Manchester and Gatwick, expected to bring in 30,000–40,000 travellers. The Minister also shared plans to strengthen Goa’s presence in new markets, including Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.

Emphasising the need for responsible and sustainable tourism, Shri Khaunte urged all stakeholders to uphold Goa’s reputation as a quality destination.

He noted that, for the first time since last year, beach shacks began operations well before the start of the season, while watersports operators received timely permissions under improved regulations.

In 2025, the licences of six shack operators were cancelled for sub-letting, underscoring the Department’s commitment to transparency and compliance.

The Minister also announced that the Department will soon notify the Aerosports Policy and Wellness Tourism Policy, reinforcing the Goa Beyond Beaches initiative. These policies will strengthen focus areas such as MICE, weddings, adventure, and wellness tourism, while supporting homestays and women-led enterprises under the inclusive tourism framework.

Efforts are also underway to curb illegal touting and ensure compliance within the hospitality sector. A verification drive has been launched for hotels registered under incorrect categories, and hoteliers have been urged to regularise their registrations. Hotel registration and renewal processes have now been made entirely online to promote ease of doing business.

To further empower local communities, Shri Khaunte announced two key initiatives: the Certified Tourism Facilitator Programme, under which 72 certified facilitators/guides are already operational, and a photography registration system introducing mandatory ID cards to prevent irregular practices on beaches.

He also revealed that a new scheme exclusively for Goan residents (Niz Goenkars) will soon be launched for beach photographers to encourage local entrepreneurship.

Highlighting strong support from the Central Government, Shri Khaunte shared that over ₹472 crore has been sanctioned in recent years for major tourism projects, including Swadesh Darshan, Town Square, Unity Mall, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum.

Looking ahead, he said Goa aims to develop a concert economy as a new tourism vertical, designed to enhance infrastructure and establish a vibrant entertainment legacy for the State.

Concluding his address, Shri Khaunte said, “The Department is moving from enforcement to empowerment. Goa’s tourism story is now driven by collaboration, responsibility, and innovation. With new policies, partnerships, and inclusive initiatives, the Government aims to ensure sustainable and holistic growth for Goa’s tourism sector.”