Goa Tourism sees 6.23 pc growth with record International arrivals in 2025

New global markets, year-round tourism initiatives for 2025-26 season

Goa's tourism sector recorded a significant growth of 6.23 pc in tourist arrivals from January to September 2025 compared to the previous year, driven by a 29.33 pc surge in international visitors. The state is expanding air connectivity to new destinations including Russia and Central Asia while promoting sustainable tourism policies and year-round attractions to strengthen its economy and employment.

Goa’s tourism sector has recorded significant growth with 6.23 pc rise in tourist arrivals from January to September compared to the same period last year.

In a press statement, Goa Tourism says that domestic arrivals increased by 5.36 pc, from 69,24,938 in 2024 to 72,96,068 in 2025, while international arrivals rose by 29.33 pc, from 2,59,820 to 3,36,031.

Tourism continues to contribute around 16.43 pc to Goa’s GDP and generates 40–45 pc of direct and indirect employment opportunities, for the first time, adds the statement.

According to Goa Tourism, the state also recorded growth during the monsoon, highlighting success of initiatives to promote year-round tourism.

It adds that despite limited air capacity, Goa has expanded its reach to new destinations such as Ekaterinburg, Novosibirsk and Moscow, in Russia and Kazakhstan, resulting in 34 charter flights from Russia and Central Asia in October alone.

European charter company TUI Airways will soon commence direct flights from Manchester and Gatwick, with expected inflow of 30,000–40,000 travellers, says Goa Tourism adding that it is looking at strengthening presence in newer markets including Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.

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According to the statement, all stakeholders must contribute towards maintaining Goa’s image as a sustainable and quality destination.

For the first time since last year, shacks began operations well before the start of the season, while watersports operators received timely permissions supported by improved regulation. It says licences of six shack operators were cancelled for sub-letting, highlighting commitment to transparency and compliance.

It further adds that department will soon notify the Aerosports Policy and Wellness Tourism Policy to further strengthen the Goa Beyond Beaches initiative.

A verification drive has been initiated for hotels registered under incorrect categories, and hoteliers have been urged to regularise their registrations. The hotel registration and renewal have now been made fully online to facilitate ease of doing business.

The statement also adds that to empower Goans, the Minister announced two new initiatives  a Certified Tourism Facilitator Programme, under which 72 certified Facilitator /guides are already operational, and a photography registration system introducing mandatory ID cards to prevent irregular practices at the beach. A new scheme exclusively for Goan residents (Niz Goenkars) for the beach photographers will soon be launched to promote local entrepreneurship.

“INR 4.72 billion has been sanctioned in recent years for major tourism projects including Swadesh Darshan, Town Square, Unity Mall, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum. Goa aims to develop a concert economy as a new vertical to strengthen tourism infrastructure and create a vibrant entertainment legacy for the State,” says Rohan A. Khaunte, Goa Tourism Minister.

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“Department is moving from enforcement to empowerment and that Goa’s tourism story is 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,” Khaunte added