Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte stated on Sunday that the Goa government’s priority is to promote quality tourism, diversify markets, and further the coastal state’s vision of Regenerative Tourism, ensuring that growth benefits local communities, the environment, and the economy.
Also Read:
Travel and tourism to grow faster than GDP; Indigo, Chalet Hotels, Ixigo in focus: Anand Rathi
According to data released on Sunday by the state Tourism Department, Goa recorded 1,02,84,608 domestic tourists and 5,17,802 foreign tourists in 2025, culminating in a total of 1,08,02,410 arrivals.
Foreign tourist arrivals via charter flights significantly contributed to the state’s inbound tourism, especially from traditional source markets, it noted.
The data revealed that tourist arrivals in Goa, renowned for its stunning beaches, have undergone distinct phases of growth, disruption, and recovery over the years.
In 2017, the state attracted 68,95,234 domestic tourists and 8,90,459 foreign tourists, totaling 77,85,693.
Moderate growth persisted (before COVID-19) in 2018 and 2019, with total arrivals reaching 80,15,400 and 80,64,400, respectively, as highlighted in the data.
This upward trend continued (post-COVID-19) in 2023 and 2024, with total arrivals recorded at 86,28,162 and 1,04,09,196, respectively.
On the international arrival front, 2017 saw Goa receive 1,024 charter flights carrying 2,49,374 foreign tourists, a number that gradually decreased to 799 flights and 2,16,738 tourists in 2019.
The department noted that the operationalization of Manohar International Airport (at Mopa in North Goa) was reflected in 2023 data, with charter operations occurring at both Mopa and Dabolim airports, totaling 356 flights and 72,795 tourists.
“In 2024, charter arrivals amounted to 266 flights and 58,680 tourists. As of 2025, Goa saw 189 charter flights, bringing in 40,336 foreign tourists, with operations shared between Dabolim and Mopa airports,” it mentioned.
Khaunte remarked that Goa’s tourism performance, as evidenced by year-on-year statistics, demonstrates the sector’s resilience and the effectiveness of the government’s ongoing efforts toward structured and balanced tourism growth.
“The consistent rise in domestic tourist arrivals, the gradual revival of foreign tourism across charter, scheduled international flights, and cruise segments, along with the enhanced role of Manohar International Airport, signify the state’s improved connectivity and readiness as a destination,” he remarked.
Khaunte added that foreign tourist arrivals through scheduled international flights have persistently bolstered Goa’s inbound tourism.
“In 2017, Dabolim Airport hosted 2,460 international flights, serving 3,35,573 foreign tourists. This number steadily declined until 2021, recording only 265 flights and 11,971 tourists due to travel restrictions,” he pointed out.
A steady recovery initiated in 2022, with 1,135 flights and 1,34,922 tourists. “The operationalization of Mopa Airport became apparent in 2023, when both airports collectively managed 1,416 flights and 1,95,067 tourists,” he stated.
In 2024, these statistics improved, with 1,546 flights carrying 1,95,990 tourists, the minister added.
“According to 2025 data, a total of 1,784 international (non-chartered) flights operated through Dabolim (643 flights) and Mopa (1,141 flights), carrying 2,35,798 foreign tourists,” he stated.
Regarding cruise tourism through Mormugao Port in South Goa, the minister noted that it continues to enhance the state’s tourism profile, with arrivals recorded from both foreign and domestic cruise vessels.
“In 2017, Goa welcomed 34 cruise vessels carrying 40,822 foreign passengers. Cruise arrivals peaked in 2019, reaching 63,606 foreign passengers, before experiencing a sharp decline during the pandemic,” he noted.
Also Read: Budget expectations: Hospitality industry calls for infrastructure status, tax rationalisation
Cruise operations gradually resumed in 2022, with five vessels bringing in 12,856 passengers, including both foreign and domestic tourists, the minister elaborated.
“A significant increase was observed in 2023, with 52 vessels and 58,603 passengers, followed by 50 vessels and 66,555 passengers in 2024,” he added.
According to the 2025 figures, 37 cruise vessels arrived in Goa, bringing in a total of 51,510 passengers, consisting of 10,086 foreign and 41,424 domestic tourists, he concluded.
