International Markets Show Positive Winter Outlook for Goa; State Records Overall Growth in Tourist Arrivals in First Seven Months of 2026
Panaji, August 28, 2026: Goa has recorded an overall growth in tourist arrivals between January and July 2026, with the state welcoming 61.38 lakh visitors during the first seven months of the year, according to the latest data from the Department of Tourism.
The figures reaffirm Goa’s continued appeal as a leading leisure and experiential tourism destination despite challenging global travel and economic conditions.
The momentum has also continued into the monsoon period. The growth during what has traditionally been considered an off-season month points to changing travel patterns and growing interest in Goa’s monsoon, nature, culture, wellness, culinary and experiential offerings.
Commenting on the latest figures, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, said, “The latest figures are an important indicator of the resilience of Goa’s tourism sector. The overall growth in arrivals during the first seven months shows that the demand for Goa continues even amid uncertainty in global travel markets. We are seeing travellers increasingly look beyond the conventional beach holiday and seek experiences rooted in Goa’s culture, cuisine, heritage, wellness, nature and communities.”
“Our discussions with the Union Government and our continued engagement with the tourism industry have reinforced the importance of strengthening Goa’s international tourism markets and connectivity. We are working to expand our presence across established and emerging markets, while building products that can give travellers more reasons to visit Goa across the year. The resilience reflected in the latest numbers gives us confidence that Goa remains firmly on the global tourism map,” he added.
Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, said, “The overall growth recorded so far this year, gives us a more complete picture of the current tourism landscape. Our monsoon tourism initiatives are helping visitors discover a different side of the state, from its hinterland and heritage to its cuisine, wellness experiences, waterfalls, nature trails and local communities.”
“At the same time, we are closely working with the trade and international partners to strengthen forward demand. The upcoming winter season is showing encouraging signs, particularly from the UK, Russia, Central Asia and European markets, which is a positive indicator for international tourism in the months ahead,” Naik added.
The positive outlook from international markets is further reflected in forward bookings and plans announced by TUI for the upcoming winter season.
Nahush Bargi, Assistant Vice President of Le Passage to India (TUI Group), said, “Our TUI charter arrivals will commence in November, with four flights per week from the UK, two from Manchester and two from Gatwick. The response has been very encouraging, with bookings currently standing at 15,300 passengers, which is 7% higher than at the same time last year.”
He added, “This will be the first time we welcome an incentive group of this nature from Germany to Goa. We also intend to promote local sightseeing tours and curated experiences tailored to the interests of these guests, allowing them to explore and experience the destination beyond their stay.”
The international market outlook is also strengthening across Russia and Central Asia. Concord Exotic Voyages expects to bring more than 45,000 international tourists to Goa during the 2026–27 season, with charter operations planned from several established and emerging source markets.
Sheik Ismail, Senior Vice President, Concord Exotic Voyages, said, “Strong advance bookings for the upcoming season show a high level of interest in travelling to Goa. We have noticed an increase in advance bookings from Russia and Kazakhstan for this winter compared to the previous year, which indicates strong traveller confidence ahead of the winter season. We are also seeing emerging markets gaining momentum, particularly Belarus, Armenia, Moldova and Kyrgyzstan.”
“There is scope for additional charter flights during the season if demand continues to grow. Longer stays of around 10 to 15 nights also mean a greater economic contribution from each international visitor. Strong repeat demand from international travellers further reinforces Goa’s position as a preferred holiday destination, while the diversification of source markets is making Goa’s international tourism more resilient,” he added.
Concord Exotic Voyages noted that the wide range of experiences available in Goa, including beaches, wellness, heritage, cuisine and sightseeing, continues to attract international travellers. Current bookings and planned airline capacity indicate an encouraging outlook for international arrivals during the 2026–27 season.
Adding to the positive industry outlook, Ranjit Phillipose, Senior Vice President – Operations, Goa, The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), said, “The first quarter has been really good for our hotels in Goa. We saw occupancy levels of around 80 per cent, with year-on-year growth of about 18 per cent during this period. These numbers reflect the continued strength of demand for Goa and the changing perception of the destination as a year-round market.”
The combination of steady year-to-date arrivals, positive international bookings and robust hotel occupancy provides an encouraging outlook for the remainder of 2026. Goa Tourism is continuing to focus on diversifying source markets, strengthening connectivity and positioning the state as a destination that offers compelling experiences throughout the year.
With 61.38 lakh visitors already recorded in the first seven months of 2026, Goa is entering the second half of the year with positive indicators across domestic arrivals, international charter operations, forward bookings and hotel performance. The upcoming festive, leisure, MICE and winter travel seasons are expected to provide further momentum to tourism activity in the state.
