Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Sep 5: Goa has witnessed a significant rise in tourist arrivals over the past five years, with domestic visitor numbers crossing the one-crore mark in 2025 and international arrivals exceeding five lakh, according to data presented by the state government in the Legislative Assembly.

Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, while presenting the data during the recently concluded monsoon session, said Goa recorded 70,18,945 domestic and 1,69,005 international tourist arrivals in 2022.

Domestic tourist arrivals rose steadily to 81,75,460 in 2023 and 99,41,285 in 2024 before reaching 1,02,84,608 in 2025.

International tourist arrivals also increased, from 4,52,702 in 2023 to 4,67,911 in 2024 and 5,17,802 in 2025.

In the first seven months of 2026, Goa recorded 59,01,769 domestic and 2,36,113 international visitors, taking the total tourist arrivals during the period to more than 61.37 lakh.

The Tourism Department said Goa was attracting visitors throughout the year and was working to strengthen its image as a year-round destination. The strategy includes promoting monsoon tourism, hinterland destinations, heritage, culture and experiential tourism alongside the state's traditional coastal attractions.

International tourists stay in Goa for an average of around nine days, while domestic visitors typically spend three to four days in the state.

Tourism remains a major contributor to Goa's economy, with its direct contribution estimated at 16.43% of the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The sector also supports a wide range of businesses and livelihoods, including hotels, restaurants, transport, travel services, retail, handicrafts and events.

The government, however, acknowledged that the wider indirect economic impact of tourism across different sectors is difficult to quantify separately.

It also recognised that sustained growth in tourist numbers could place additional pressure on infrastructure, natural resources and local communities.

To address these concerns, the state is promoting its ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’ initiative, aimed at encouraging visitors to explore hinterland destinations and reducing the concentration of tourists in traditional coastal areas.

Goa has also become the first state in India to adopt Regenerative Tourism, according to the government, as part of its efforts to develop a more sustainable tourism model.

The state's tourism strategy includes eco and nature-based tourism, backwater and river tourism, heritage and cultural tourism, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), adventure tourism, leisure and entertainment, spiritual and wellness tourism, and sports tourism.

The government said these initiatives would focus on responsible tourism and greater participation of local communities as Goa seeks to sustain the growth of its tourism sector over the coming years.