Continuous rise in Goa's tourists’ arrival: Tourism Minister Khaunte

Porvorim, July 24, 2025: Tourism Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte stated that there is a rise in tourist arrivals in Goa during the ongoing session of the Goa Legislative Assembly. He refuted the claims made by Calangute MLA Shri Michael Lobo in the state assembly during question hour regarding a decline in Goa’s tourists arrival.

The Minister emphasised that Goa’s tourism is on a strong upward trajectory, supported by robust efforts and initiatives undertaken by both the state and central governments. “Flights and hotels are almost full with tourists coming to Goa. We Goans can see the growth happening,” he said.

Between January and June 2025, Goa recorded a total of 57,12,758 tourist arrivals with domestic arrivals of 34,64,490 through Goa Dabolim International Airport at Vasco and 22,48,268 through Manohar International Airport at Mopa. International arrivals stood at 3,25,835, with 1,15,645 through Goa Dabolim International Airport and 2,10,190 through Manohar International Airport at Mopa. He noted that in the past six months alone, both Dabolim and Mopa airports have seen consistently high footfalls, and hotel occupancy has remained between 70% to 100% year-round.

Furthermore, Shri Khaunte highlighted that this data is captured through the Tourism Information Management Enterprise (TIME) software, which is to mandatorily be used by hotels across the state to register and report occupancy. “Every hotel is using the TIME software. This data is real, transparent, and consolidated through technology,” he pointed out.

He also presented a comparative analysis with pre-pandemic figures to illustrate the state’s remarkable recovery. In 2019, Goa recorded 71,27,287 domestic and 9,37,113 international tourists, totaling 80,64,400. In 2024, the number surged to 99,41,285 domestic and 4,67,911 international tourists, totaling 1,04,09,196.

This reflects a 39.48% growth in domestic tourism compared to pre-COVID levels and a 50% recovery in international tourism. “Goa has bounced back stronger than ever. These numbers clearly show that tourism is thriving,” Shri Khaunte asserted.

The MLA Shri Michael Lobo appreciated Hon'ble Minister for Tourism for the good work being carried out in the tourism sector.

Taking strong exception to what he called “paid influencers” spreading misinformation from outside the state, Shri Khaunte said, “They take money to create noise and circulate false narratives. But when we presented official data, none of them countered it.” Challenging these critics, he added, “If there is a decline, show proof. We have nothing to hide, data speaks for itself.”

He further stressed that Goa’s post-COVID recovery has outpaced other states, encouraging Goans to participate in building a positive narrative.

Shri Khaunte also spoke about Goa’s growing global outreach, highlighting that the state has tapped into new tourism markets such as Poland, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, with flights and international promotions helping drive these connections. “Goa is now linked to several parts of the world,” he said, adding that efforts like roadshows and marketing campaigns have opened up previously untapped tourist segments.

He also confirmed that the Department of Tourism has communicated with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and that international arrival data will soon be incorporated and shared formally.

“Tourism in Goa is moving in the right direction,” the Minister concluded, urging all stakeholders and Goans alike to support the growth of the sector and resist baseless negativity.