Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, Jul 20: Goa has once again solidified its place as India’s premier travel destination, registering an impressive 54.55 lac tourist arrivals in the first six months of 2025 — a remarkable 9% rise compared to the same period last year. The latest figures released by the Goa Tourism Department underline a strong upward trend in both domestic and international arrivals, affirming the state’s enduring appeal among vacationers.
In what officials have described as a “record-breaking surge”, the coastal state drew over 51.8 lac domestic tourists and 2.7 lac foreign visitors between January and June this year. For comparison, the total number of tourists during the same period in 2024 stood at 49.9 lac.
Speaking on the development, Tourism Director Kedar Naik credited the growth to a focused and dynamic promotional strategy. “The boom is the result of a multi-pronged approach. From aggressive marketing campaigns in major domestic and international markets to our participation in global travel expos and innovative destination branding — all of it has come together to drive these numbers,” he explained.
January emerged as the strongest month, with a footfall of 10.6 lac tourists, including nearly 70,000 international arrivals. February and March followed closely with 9 lac and 8.9 lac visitors respectively. Even during the traditionally quieter summer months, Goa saw no dip in momentum. April brought in 8.42 lac visitors, May welcomed 9.3 lac, and June defied expectations with 8.34 lac tourists, of which 25,000 were foreign nationals.
Interestingly, June’s performance caught the attention of industry stakeholders, many of whom described it as “unlike any other in recent years.” According to TTAG President Jack Sukhija, the integration of traditional Goan festivals into tourism campaigns has drawn in a fresh wave of culturally engaged travellers. “They’re not just checking in and out. They’re asking questions, participating in our customs, and embracing Goa’s deeper identity,” he noted.
Officials further pointed to improved air connectivity, especially with regions like the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia, as a key factor in the rise of foreign tourists. This, combined with a surge in demand for homestays, hotels, cultural tours, and local experiences, has revitalized tourism-linked enterprises across the state.
As Goa enters the latter half of the year, the tourism department remains optimistic that the momentum will continue, with newer markets being explored and evolving travel trends further boosting the state’s visitor count.