Goa Tourism reports 10.5% YoY surge in Q1 2025 tourist arrivals
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The state is pursuing inclusive growth, with initiatives like the Homestay Policy, support for women-led tourism enterprises, and inclusion of village-based tourism in the visitor economy.
Goa Tourism has reported a robust 10.5% year-on-year growth in tourist arrivals for Q1 2025, registering 28,51,554 visitors, up from 25,80,155 in Q1 2024.
Goa Tourism’s three-pronged strategy, strengthening promotion in core and emerging markets, expanding international air connectivity, and diversifying tourism offerings, is said to be the reason for the growth.
This gain is said to be supported by sustained engagements with Gulf carriers and transit markets in the Middle East, which continue to be explored despite existing bilateral agreements constants. Goa Tourism has also strong increased its international presence at travel trade events including WTM London, ITB Asia (Singapore), the Tashkent International Tourism Fair, and the recent Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai.
While April generally sees a dip post-Easter, May traditionally performs strongly due to school holidays and domestic leisure travel. However, current regional uncertainties have cast some unpredictability over forward demand. In response, the Department of Tourism has convened meetings with representatives from hospitality, transport, travel services, and alternate accommodations to review May–July booking patterns and collaboratively identify steps to mitigate any potential slowdown.
The state is also pursuing inclusive growth, with initiatives like the Homestay Policy, support for women-led tourism enterprises, and enhanced inclusion of village-based tourism in the visitor economy. The Department is also working to integrate alternate accommodations into the formal ecosystem — encouraging quality, accountability, and long-term participation.
"Our Q1 success is not accidental — it is a result of deep partnerships, strategic planning, and consistent market outreach," said Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, IT, E&C, Government of Goa. "Even as we stay alert to emerging dynamics, our goal remains clear — to make Goa a future-ready destination built on sustainability, connectivity, and meaningful visitor experiences."