Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, Jun 24: Despite global uncertainties affecting international travel, Goa's tourism sector continues to witness steady growth, driven largely by a strong influx of domestic tourists. The coastal state recorded 46.39 lakh visitors during the first five months of 2026, with Indian travellers playing a key role in sustaining the tourism industry.
Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said domestic tourism has successfully offset challenges arising from reduced international arrivals, particularly from traditional markets such as the United Kingdom and Russia, which have been impacted by geopolitical tensions and lower flight connectivity.
He noted that Indians are increasingly choosing domestic destinations for leisure, weddings, conferences and family vacations, supported by initiatives such as the Centre’s ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ campaign. According to him, Goa continues to attract visitors seeking beaches, heritage sites, cultural experiences and wellness tourism.
The minister said Goa welcomed around 1.08 crore tourists in 2025 and is on course for another strong year. Tourism numbers in May alone registered an 18 per cent increase compared to the corresponding period last year.
Highlighting the state's evolving tourism strategy, Khaunte said Goa is moving beyond its traditional image of sun, sand and sea by promoting rural tourism, homestays, wellness retreats, cultural festivals and adventure activities. The ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’ campaign has encouraged visitors to explore lesser-known destinations and local communities across the state.
Goa is also positioning itself as a destination for digital nomads and remote workers. Initiatives such as ‘Shackathon’, which allows professionals to work from beach shacks equipped with internet connectivity, have received encouraging responses and are expected to expand in the future.
On international tourism, Khaunte acknowledged that reduced flight capacity remains a concern but expressed optimism about recovery in the second half of the year. The state is actively exploring new markets, including Japan, South Korea, Poland and Uzbekistan, while offering incentives to airlines operating international routes to Goa.
The minister said tourism growth will increasingly be measured by the value generated for local communities rather than visitor numbers alone. He added that the state's focus remains on creating diverse tourism experiences that attract visitors throughout the year while ensuring sustainable and inclusive development of the sector.