Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte stated on Sunday that the Goa government is dedicated to enhancing quality tourism, broadening its market spectrum, and promoting the vision of Regenerative Tourism for the coastal state, ensuring that this growth yields lasting benefits for local communities, the environment, and the economy.
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According to the state Tourism Department’s data released on Sunday, Goa recorded a total of 1,02,84,608 domestic tourists and 5,17,802 foreign tourists in 2025, totaling 1,08,02,410 arrivals.
Foreign tourist arrivals via charter flights have significantly contributed to Goa’s tourism influx, especially from traditional source markets, it added.
The statistics reveal that tourist arrivals in Goa, famous for its stunning beaches, have experienced various phases of growth, disruption, and recovery over the years.
In 2017, the state attracted 68,95,234 domestic tourists and 8,90,459 foreign visitors, bringing the total to 77,85,693.
Moderate growth persisted (before COVID-19) in 2018 and 2019, with total arrivals hitting 80,15,400 and 80,64,400, respectively, as per the data.
This upward trend continued (post-COVID-19) in 2023 and 2024, with total arrivals of 86,28,162 and 1,04,09,196, respectively.
Regarding foreign tourist arrivals, Goa received 1,024 charter flights carrying 2,49,374 visitors in 2017, which gradually fell to 799 flights and 2,16,738 tourists by 2019.
The department noted that the launch of Manohar International Airport (in Mopa, North Goa) was reflected in the 2023 data, showing charter operations at both Mopa and Dabolim airports, with a total of 356 flights and 72,795 tourists.
“In 2024, charter arrivals accounted for 266 flights and 58,680 tourists. In 2025, Goa received 189 charter flights, bringing in 40,336 foreign tourists, with operations shared between Dabolim and Mopa airports,” it stated.
Khaunte emphasized that Goa’s tourism performance, as shown in the annual statistics, clearly illustrates the sector’s resilience and the government’s steadfast efforts toward balanced tourism growth.
“The consistent increase in domestic tourist arrivals, a gradual resurgence of foreign tourism through chartered, scheduled international flights, and cruise segments, along with the enhanced role of Manohar International Airport, highlight the state’s improved connectivity and destination preparedness,” he remarked.
Khaunte further noted that foreign tourist arrivals via international scheduled flights have continually bolstered Goa’s inbound tourism.
“In 2017, 2,460 international flights operated through Dabolim Airport, carrying 3,35,573 foreign tourists. This figure eventually declined until 2021, when only 265 flights and 11,971 tourists were recorded due to travel restrictions,” he pointed out.
A steady recovery commenced in 2022, with 1,135 flights and 1,34,922 tourists. “The operation of Mopa Airport became clear in 2023 when international flights were managed by both airports, together accounting for 1,416 flights and 1,95,067 tourists,” he stated.
In 2024, these numbers grew to 1,546 flights carrying 1,95,990 tourists, the minister added.
“According to the 2025 data, there were a total of 1,784 international (non-chartered) flights through Dabolim (643 flights) and Mopa (1,141 flights), bringing in 2,35,798 foreign tourists,” he mentioned.
Regarding cruise tourism through Mormugao Port in South Goa, Khaunte indicated 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, with 63,606 foreign passengers, before sharply declining during the pandemic,” he explained.
Following gradual resumption in 2022, five vessels brought in 12,856 passengers, encompassing both foreign and domestic tourists, the minister noted.
“A substantial increase was seen 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 51,510 passengers, including 10,086 foreign and 41,424 domestic tourists, he concluded.
