Goa Tourism Sector Sees Notable Growth with 7.3 Million Domestic and 3.36 Lakh Foreign Tourist Visits
Goa’s tourism industry has registered notable growth as the State ushers in the 2025–26 tourism season. Addressing the media, Goa Tourism Minister, Rohan Khaunte, said that Goa recorded an overall increase of 6.23% in tourist arrivals between January and September 2025, compared to the same period last year.
Domestic and International Tourist Arrivals
Domestic arrivals rose by 5.36%, from 69,24,938 in 2024 to 72,96,068 in 2025, while international arrivals surged by 29.33%, from 2,59,820 to 3,36,031.
“Tourism continues to contribute around 16.43% to Goa’s GDP and generates 40–45% of direct and indirect employment opportunities,” Khaunte said. He further noted that, for the first time, the State has seen growth during the monsoon months, reflecting the success of initiatives designed to promote year-round tourism.
Expansion of International Flights and Charter Services
Despite limited air capacity, Goa has successfully expanded its network to destinations including Ekaterinburg, Kazakhstan, Novosibirsk, and Moscow. “This expansion resulted in 34 charter flights from Russia and Central Asia in October 2025 alone,” he said.
He added that TUI Airways, a leading UK-based charter company, will soon begin direct flights from Manchester and Gatwick, bringing an estimated 30,000–40,000 visitors. He also stated that efforts are underway to strengthen Goa’s presence in emerging markets such as Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.
Responsible Tourism and Sustainability Initiatives
Emphasising responsible tourism, the Minister said that all stakeholders must help preserve Goa’s reputation as a sustainable and quality destination. He mentioned that, for the first time since last year, beach shacks began operations ahead of the season, while watersports operators received timely permissions under improved regulations.
“In 2025, licences of six shack operators were cancelled for sub-letting, highlighting the Department’s commitment to transparency and compliance,” he added.
New Initiatives and Policies to Boost Tourism
Khaunte announced that the Department will soon notify the Aerosports Policy and the Wellness Tourism Policy as part of efforts to advance the Goa Beyond Beaches initiative. “Through Eco Tourism Goa is highlighting MICE, wedding, adventure, and wellness tourism, which complement homestays and promote women-led enterprises under the inclusive tourism framework,” he said.
He also outlined the Department’s ongoing measures to tackle illegal touting and enforce 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.
The Minister noted that hotel registration and renewal processes have now been made fully online to ensure ease of doing business. To learn more about the impact of tourism on the economy, visit our page on Tourism Industry in India.
To empower local residents, Khaunte announced two new initiatives — the Certified Tourism Facilitator Programme, under which 72 certified facilitators and guides are already operational, and a photography registration system that introduces mandatory ID cards to curb irregular beach practices.
He added that a new scheme exclusively for Goan residents (Niz Goenkars) will soon be launched for beach photographers to encourage local entrepreneurship. For more information on entrepreneurship opportunities, check out our article on Entrepreneurship Opportunities in India.
Support from the Central Government
Highlighting the support of the Central Government, Khaunte stated that ₹472 crore has been sanctioned in recent years for key tourism projects, including Swadesh Darshan, Town Square, Unity Mall, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum.
Looking ahead, he said that Goa aims to establish a concert economy as a new vertical to strengthen tourism infrastructure and foster a vibrant entertainment culture in the State. To stay updated on the latest developments in the tourism industry, visit our page on Indian Tourism Industry News.
Concluding his remarks, the Minister said, “The Department is moving from enforcement to empowerment, and Goa’s tourism story is driven by collaboration, responsibility, and innovation.”
As the tourism industry continues to grow, it’s essential for investors to stay informed about the latest trends and developments. To learn more about investing in the tourism industry, visit our page on Investing in Tourism Industry.