Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Apr 16: Goa has begun 2026 on a strong footing, recording around 28.5 lakh visitors between January and March, nearly matching the record performance of the first quarter of 2025.

Officials attribute the steady inflow to a surge in business and cultural events. Major gatherings such as India Energy Week 2026, which attracted over 75,000 delegates from more than 120 countries, have significantly boosted the state’s profile as a destination for conferences and exhibitions. Sporting events like the World Legends Pro T20 League also contributed to increased tourist arrivals.

Traditional festivals including Goa Carnival and Shigmotsav witnessed enthusiastic participation across the state, supporting local businesses, small traders and tourism operators.

Tourism Minister Rohan A Khaunte said the near-record figures reflect Goa’s resilience as a tourism hub. He noted a shift in visitor preferences, with more tourists exploring cultural, festival-based and event-driven experiences, making Goa a year-round destination.

Director of Tourism Kedar Naik highlighted improved domestic air connectivity as a key factor behind the growth, with increased direct flights from various cities boosting domestic travel.

Destination weddings continued to play a major role during the peak season in January and February, with several high-profile events held at beach resorts and heritage venues, driving demand for hospitality and related services.

However, March saw a marginal decline in foreign tourist arrivals, largely due to global factors such as the ongoing Middle East conflict, which impacted fuel prices and international travel. Despite this, demand from key markets like the UK, Russia and Kazakhstan remained stable.