Goa Tourism: Highlights from 2025 and Outlook for 2026
Panaji, 12 January 2026 – Goa continued to strengthen its position as India’s premier tourism destination in 2025, with a series of international roadshows, cultural festivals, and infrastructure developments. Despite global challenges, the state recorded significant growth in visitor arrivals, focusing on sustainable and regenerative tourism.
Key Developments in 2025
In November 2025, Goa Tourism participated in roadshows in Malaysia, Bahrain, and at the ITB Asia 2025, showcasing new-age experiences and strengthening global partnerships. The state celebrated milestones like the arrival of the first charter flight of the season at Mopa and hosted events such as Goa Deepotsav and the National Tourism Ministers’ Conference. Initiatives included the inauguration of the Miramar Boardwalk and the launch of the ‘Feels Like Goa’ campaign, emphasising nostalgia, culture, and spirituality.
Goa also boosted sports tourism with the FIDE World Cup 2025 and focused on quality over quantity, shifting from mass tourism to regenerative practices. Domestic arrivals surged by 21.6% to 9.9 million, while foreign arrivals grew by 3.36% to 3.36 lakh in September 2025. Charter flights from key markets supported this recovery.
Challenges persisted, including overcrowding, taxi monopolies, rising costs, and geopolitical tensions affecting foreign visitors. However, responses highlighted Goa’s resilience, with investments in infrastructure like the Mega Tourism Infrastructure Plan and partnerships to enhance connectivity.
Key Facts / Stats
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Domestic Tourist Arrivals (2024) | 99.41 lakh |
| Foreign Tourist Arrivals (2024) | 4.67 lakh |
| Quarterly Growth (Q1 2025) | 10.5% (28.51 lakh visitors) |
| Charter Flights (Jan-Sep 2025) | 146 flights carrying 29,222 foreign tourists |
| Hotel Occupancy (2024 Season) | Near 100% at many properties |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main challenges facing Goa’s tourism?
Key challenges include overcrowding on popular beaches, taxi monopolies leading to inflated fares, rising living costs, geopolitical tensions reducing foreign arrivals, and infrastructure strains. However, the government is addressing these through policy changes, infrastructure upgrades, and a focus on sustainable tourism.
How has Goa adapted to post-pandemic tourism?
Goa shifted to regenerative tourism, emphasising quality experiences, community-led initiatives, and diversification beyond beach tourism. This included campaigns like ‘Feels Like Goa’, homestay schemes, and enhanced connectivity via Mopa Airport.
What is the best time to visit Goa?
The peak season from November to March offers sunny weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant events. Off-season (April to September) provides lower prices and lush greenery but limited activities due to monsoon.