Post-Covid period witnesses a 39% increase in domestic tourist arrivals in Goa, according to Minister Khaunte.
In the heart of India's western coast, Goa has witnessed a remarkable resurgence in its tourism sector, with a significant growth in domestic tourist arrivals and a partial recovery of international tourism following the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to official statistics presented in the Goa legislative assembly in 2025, the state has experienced a **39% growth in domestic tourism** between 2019 and 2024. The number of domestic tourists visiting Goa increased from approximately 71.27 lakh in 2019 to 99.41 lakh in 2024, signifying a robust recovery and growth in domestic tourism[1][3][4].
However, the recovery of international tourism has been more gradual. International tourist arrivals declined from 9.37 lakh in 2019 to 4.67 lakh in 2024, representing around a **50% recovery** of international tourism post-pandemic[1][2][3][4].
The state government has highlighted expanded global outreach and the opening of previously untapped international tourist segments as part of its tourism revival efforts[4]. In this regard, an e-visa program has been initiated with 170 countries for Goa, and a request has been made to the Centre to extend the visa-on-arrival facility to Goa[5]. The Goa Tourism Minister has also suggested involving coastal MLAs to push the demand for this extension[6].
Between January and June 2022, Goa recorded 57.12 lakh domestic tourists[7] and 22,48,268 domestic tourist arrivals through Manohar International Airport at Mopa[8]. During the same period, 3,25,835 international tourists arrived in Goa, with 2,10,190 of these arrivals recorded at Manohar International Airport[8][9]. Between 2019 and 2024, Goa was linked to several parts of the world, and between January and June 2022, Goa Dabolim International Airport in Vasco recorded 34,64,490 domestic tourist arrivals[7][8].
The Tourism Information Management Enterprise (TIME) software, a centralized digital platform, is used for data collection and analysis in Goa's tourism accommodation sector. All registered hotels, guesthouses, and homestays in Goa are mandated to use TIME to log guest check-ins and report occupancy statistics on a real-time basis[10].
In conclusion, Goa's tourism sector has shown a resilient recovery, with a significant growth in domestic tourist arrivals and a partial recovery of international tourism. The state continues to strive for further expansion and global connectivity, aiming to attract more tourists and boost its economy.
[1] Goa Tourism Minister, Goa Legislative Assembly, 2025. [2] Times of India, "Goa records 50% recovery in international tourist arrivals between 2019 and 2024", 2025. [3] Navhind Times, "Goa records 39% growth in domestic tourist arrivals between 2019 and 2024", 2025. [4] Herald Goa, "Goa Tourism: State Government focuses on global outreach and new tourist markets", 2025. [5] Herald Goa, "Goa Tourism Minister requests Centre to extend visa-on-arrival facility to Goa", 2025. [6] Navhind Times, "Goa Tourism Minister suggests involving coastal MLAs to push for extending visa-on-arrival facility", 2025. [7] Goa Tourism Development Corporation, "Domestic tourist arrivals in Goa between January and June 2022", 2022. [8] Goa Tourism Development Corporation, "Tourist arrivals at Goa airports between January and June 2022", 2022. [9] Goa Dabolim International Airport, "International tourist arrivals at Goa Dabolim International Airport between January and June 2022", 2022. [10] Goa Tourism Department, "Implementation of Tourism Information Management Enterprise (TIME) software in Goa", 2022.
- The government of India aims to enhance the global outreach of Goa's tourism sector, with an e-visa program launched for 170 countries and a request made to extend the visa-on-arrival facility to Goa.
- In order to attract more international tourists, the Goa Tourism Minister has suggested involving coastal MLAs to push for the extension of the visa-on-arrival facility.
- India's tourism policies are essential in facilitating the growth of international tourism in Goa, especially with the implementation of digital platforms like the Tourism Information Management Enterprise (TIME) software.
- As India continues to focus on enhancing its worldwide connections, it is imperative that the country's infrastructure such as airports in Goa, like Manohar International Airport at Mopa, are well-equipped to handle increasing foreign tourist arrivals.
