Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Jan 29: Goa has ushered in the New Year on a high note, recording exceptionally strong hotel occupancy levels across the State and reaffirming its status as one of India’s most preferred tourism destinations.
Several hotels reported near-full to full occupancy during the New Year period, reflecting sustained tourist demand and signalling positive momentum for Goa’s tourism sector in the months ahead.
Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte said that the impressive occupancy figures highlight the success of the State’s focused approach towards quality tourism.
“The strong hotel occupancy witnessed at the start of the New Year reflects the success of our focused approach towards quality tourism. Our emphasis has been on diversifying tourism experiences, improving infrastructure, and promoting responsible and regenerative tourism practices. This growth is not just about numbers, but about creating meaningful economic opportunities for local communities while ensuring long-term sustainability of the destination,” he said.
Officials said the robust occupancy levels were driven by consistent efforts to enhance destination readiness, improve connectivity, diversify tourism offerings, and promote Goa as a year-round destination.
Tourists arriving during the festive season showed keen interest not only in Goa’s coastal experiences but also in cultural, wellness, spiritual, and hinterland tourism, contributing to a more balanced and distributed tourism footprint.
Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik said the New Year response validates the State’s evolving tourism direction.
“The encouraging occupancy levels are a direct outcome of strategic planning, destination preparedness, and continuous engagement with stakeholders. Goa’s tourism ecosystem is evolving with a focus on experiences beyond the beaches, and the New Year response clearly validates this direction. We remain committed to strengthening tourism across all regions of the State,” he added.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the strong start to the year, noting that the surge in tourist arrivals has positively impacted allied sectors such as transport, restaurants, homestays and local businesses, thereby strengthening the overall tourism economy.
Commenting on the strong New Year performance, Mr Jack Sukhija, President, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), said Goa continues to remain a top choice for travellers.
“The New Year has commenced on an extremely positive note for Goa’s tourism sector, with hotel occupancies touching very high levels across categories. This clearly indicates sustained demand and renewed confidence among travellers. Goa continues to remain a top choice due to its diverse experiences, quality infrastructure, and collaborative efforts between the Government and industry stakeholders,” he said.
The Department of Tourism said it will continue working closely with industry partners to ensure safe, seamless and high-quality visitor experiences, while reinforcing Goa’s vision of sustainable and regenerative tourism.
With the New Year beginning on a strong footing, Goa’s tourism sector is expected to witness steady and inclusive growth in the coming months.