Goa sees sharp rise in tourist arrivals
Goa has recorded a sharp increase in tourist arrivals over the past five years, with the number of domestic visitors rising from about 70.19 lakh in 2022 to over 1.02 crore in 2025, while international arrivals crossed the five-lakh mark last year, the State Government told the Legislative Assembly.
According to the data tabled by Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte during the recently held monsoon session of the Assembly, Goa recorded 70,18,945 domestic and 1,69,005 international tourist arrivals in 2022.
The number of domestic tourists increased to 81,75,460 in 2023 and 99,41,285 in 2024, before reaching 1,02,84,608 in 2025, it said.
International arrivals also rose from 4,52,702 in 2023 to 4,67,911 in 2024 and 5,17,802 in 2025. In the first seven months of 2026, Goa recorded 59,01,769 domestic and 2,36,113 international tourist arrivals, taking the total to more than 61.37 lakh.
The tourism department said Goa attracts visitors year-round and is seeking to promote the coastal State as a year-round destination by showcasing monsoon, hinterland, heritage, cultural, and experiential tourism. The average duration of stay is approximately nine days for international tourists and three to four days for domestic visitors, it said.
Tourism is a major contributor to Goa’s economy, with its direct contribution estimated at 16.43 per cent of the state’s Gross Domestic Product, according to the Government.
It said the economic benefits of tourism extend across hotels, restaurants, transport, travel services, retail, handicrafts and events, as well as other local livelihoods.
However, the wider indirect impact of tourism across different sectors is not readily quantifiable in isolation, it said.
The Government also acknowledged that sustained growth in tourist footfall could put pressure on infrastructure, natural resources and local communities.
It said it was promoting its ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’ approach to disperse tourists towards hinterland areas and reduce concentration in traditional coastal destinations.
Goa has also become the first state to adopt Regenerative Tourism, the Government said, as part of its efforts to promote sustainable tourism.
The state’s current tourism strategy includes eco and nature-based tourism, backwater and river tourism, heritage and cultural tourism, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), adventure tourism, leisure and entertainment, spiritual and wellness tourism, and sports tourism.
The Government said these initiatives would be pursued with emphasis on community participation and responsible tourism practices.
The tourism department’s response addressed questions on tourist arrivals, tourism promotion expenditure, economic benefits, environmental and social impacts, and the state’s roadmap for the sector over the next five years.
