Domestic tourists accounted around 95 percent of the total visitors in 2025. Among Indians, people from Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru continue to choose Goa as a short-break or weekend destination
Surat, February 12, 2026
Goa State government’s push for new infrastructure, under the able leadership of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, has increased tourist traffic by 5 percent in 2025, official data shows.
The new airport marked a 5.4 percent increase in passenger traffic in FY April 2024 to March 2025, according Airports Authority of India data.
The new Manohar International Airport (IATA: GOX, ICAO: VOGA), launched December 11, 2022, is in Mopa in Pernem taluka, North Goa district. It serves North Goa and the adjoining districts of Maharashtra and Karnataka and as a second airport of Goa after Dabolim Airport in Dabolim.
Further, Goa Government has built more dual-carriage roads and added better transport links to the existing roads network.
More all-India airline flights, increase in railway routes and road networks have boosted tourist access to Goa. Efficient transport connectivity has reduced travel time.
These are the key reasons for the increase in tourists arriving in Goa.
Last year, Goa noted one of its best years in tourism. In the first half of 2025, more than 54.55 lakh visitors arrived — 51.84 lakh from India and 2.71 lakh from abroad. This works to a nine percent increase compared with the same period in 2024.
Fresh tourism campaigns have also played a role. Promotions highlighting Goa’s culture, food, festivals, and natural beauty, have attracted travellers who want more than beaches and nightlife.
“Goa’s hotels are seeing near‑full occupancy this season (January-February 2026). The combination of improved connectivity and diverse experiences has clearly boosted demand,” Suneet Varma, Area Vice President – South Asia, Marriott International, said last month.
Even during the summer months of April to June, more than 800,000 people visited. That steady flow shows Goa is no longer just a winter destination.
“We are witnessing 100 percent room occupancy across peak weeks. The rebound in international flights and domestic weekend travel has transformed Goa into a truly year‑round destination,” noted Vinay Gupta, General Manager, Taj Exotica Goa, in September 2025.
With stronger infrastructure, creative campaigns, and year‑round appeal, Goa is set to break records by the end of 2026
The state has shown it can adapt and expand its charm, offering something new for every traveller
Goa Government’s focus on increasing tourist visitors saw the launch of the campaign Regenerative Tourism. It highlghted Goa’s culture, cuisine, festivals, beaches, and resorts.
Many tourists visit Goa for more than sun-bathing, swimming in the Arabian Sea and savouring fish curry, xacuti, prawn balchao, sorpotel and benica. Foreign as well as Indian tourists visit yoga retreats, ayurvedic treatments, for forest hiking, checking out spice plantations, and cultural festivals.
Increased number of flights from Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia has brought in more tourists. Goa welcomed 271,000 international tourists in the first six months of 2025.
Usually, summer is off-season in Goa. Yet, in 2025, Goa noted more visitors even in the lean months of April, May, and June. Tourism stakeholders attribute this to more entertainment offerings, attractive discounts, and improved transport.
Domestic tourists continue to love Goa. In 2025 around 95 percent of the total visitors were Indians. People from Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru continue to choose Goa as a short-break or weekend destination.
Astute government decisions are helping Goa revive tourism, a key driver of its economy. Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has a tunnel vision to boost niche tourism.
“We aim for high‑value tourism built on authenticity and sustainability, so Goa grows while preserving its natural and cultural fabric. he said.
“Our aim is to make Goa a 12-month tourist destination that supports local communities, and protects our heritage,” he added.
Sounds optimistic, but achieveable. Providing the government finds a way to boost Goa’s tourism profile, address challenges like detering crime, especially against women, by strict policing, increasing communal harmony, and squashing far rightist activism.
