Goa records 6.23% overall growth in the tourists arrival; Domestic Up 5.36%, International Up 29.33%: Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte
Panaji, October 31, 2025 : Goa’s tourism sector has recorded significant growth as the State welcomes the new tourism season 2025–26. Speaking to the media, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, said that Goa has witnessed an overall growth of 6.23% in tourist arrivals from January to September 2025 compared to the same period last year. Domestic arrivals increased by 5.36%, from 69,24,938 in 2024 to 72,96,068 in 2025, while international arrivals rose by 29.33%, from 2,59,820 to 3,36,031. He added that tourism continues to contribute around 16.43% to Goa’s GDP and generates 40–45% of direct and indirect employment opportunities. The Minister further stated that, for the first time, Goa has recorded growth during the monsoon months, which highlights the success of initiatives to promote year-round tourism.
The press conference was also attended by Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik; General Manager (Hotels & Marketing), GTDC, Shri Gavin Dias; and Deputy General Manager (Hotels & Marketing), GTDC, Shri Deepak Narvekar.
Highlighting international developments, Shri Khaunte said that despite limited air capacity, Goa has expanded its reach to new destinations such as Ekaterinburg, Kazakhstan, Novosibirsk and Moscow, resulting in 34 charter flights from Russia and Central Asia in October 2025 alone. He added that TUI Airways, a leading UK-based charter company, will soon commence direct flights from Manchester and Gatwick, with an expected inflow of 30,000–40,000 travellers. He also stated that we are looking at strengthening presence in newer markets including Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland etc.
Emphasizing the need for responsible tourism, the Minister said that all stakeholders must contribute towards maintaining Goa’s image as a sustainable and quality destination. He mentioned that, for the first time since last year, shacks began operations well before the start of the season, while watersports operators received timely permissions supported by improved regulation. In 2025, License of 6 Shacks operators were cancelled for sub-letting, highlighting the Department’s commitment to transparency and compliance.
Shri Khaunte informed that the Department will soon notify the Aerosports Policy and Wellness Tourism Policy to further strengthen the Goa Beyond Beaches initiative. He said Through Eco Tourism Goa is highlighting MICE, wedding, adventure, and wellness tourism, which complement homestays and promote women-led enterprises under the inclusive tourism framework. He also highlighted the Department’s efforts to curb illegal touting and ensure compliance within the hospitality sector. A verification drive has been initiated for hotels registered under incorrect categories, and hoteliers have been urged to regularise their registrations. The Minister noted that hotel registration and renewal have now been made fully online to facilitate ease of doing business.
To empower Goans, the Minister announced two new initiatives — a Certified Tourism Facilitator Programme, under which 72 certified Facilitator /guides are already operational, and a photography registration system introducing mandatory ID cards to prevent irregular practices at the beach. He added that a new scheme exclusively for Goan residents (Niz Goenkars) for the beach photographers will soon be launched to promote local entrepreneurship.
Highlighting support from the Central Government, Shri Khaunte said that ₹472 crore has been sanctioned in recent years for major tourism projects including Swadesh Darshan, Town Square, Unity Mall, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial. Moving forward, he said that Goa aims to develop a concert economy as a new vertical to strengthen tourism infrastructure and create a vibrant entertainment legacy for the State.
Concluding the address, the Minister said that the Department is moving from enforcement to empowerment and that Goa’s tourism story is driven by collaboration, responsibility, and innovation. With new policies, partnerships, and inclusive initiatives, the Government aims to ensure sustainable and holistic growth for Goa’s tourism sector.
