Goa's tourism sector has achieved a monumental milestone, welcoming a staggering 1.08 crore (10.8 million) visitors in the year 2025, as per the latest official data released by the state's Tourism Department. This impressive figure marks a significant surge, surpassing the footfall recorded in previous years and underscoring the destination's enduring appeal.
Breaking Down the 2025 Tourist Influx
The detailed statistics reveal that the total arrival of 1,08,02,410 tourists was powered by a massive influx of domestic travellers, numbering 1,02,84,608. International visitors also showed a strong presence, with 5,17,802 foreign tourists choosing Goa for their holidays. Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, commenting on the data on Sunday, emphasized that the government's strategy is firmly centered on promoting quality tourism, diversifying source markets, and advancing the ambitious vision of Regenerative Tourism. This approach aims to ensure that the sector's growth yields sustainable, long-term benefits for local communities, the environment, and the state's economy.
The data provides a clear view of the sector's journey through phases of growth, disruption, and recovery. For context, in 2017, Goa received a total of 77,85,693 tourists (68,95,234 domestic and 8,90,459 foreign). A period of moderate growth followed in the pre-pandemic years of 2018 and 2019, with arrivals touching 80,15,400 and 80,64,400 respectively. After the COVID-19 disruption, a strong upward trajectory resumed in 2023 (86,28,162 arrivals) and 2024 (1,04,09,196 arrivals), culminating in the record-breaking numbers of 2025.
The Dual-Airport Advantage and Segment-Wise Recovery
Minister Khaunte highlighted the crucial role played by improved connectivity, particularly the operationalisation of the Manohar International Airport at Mopa in North Goa. This is clearly reflected in the inbound traffic data for both charter and scheduled international flights.
In the charter flight segment, which is vital for traditional foreign source markets, Goa received 189 flights carrying 40,336 tourists in 2025, with operations shared between Dabolim and Mopa airports. This follows a gradual revival from a pre-pandemic high of 1,024 charter flights in 2017 (carrying 2,49,374 tourists) to 799 flights in 2019.
The story is similarly positive for scheduled international flights. From a low of just 265 flights in 2021 during travel restrictions, the numbers climbed to 1,784 flights in 2025, ferrying 2,35,798 foreign tourists. This traffic is now efficiently handled by both airports, with Mopa (1,141 flights) handling a larger share than Dabolim (643 flights).
Cruise Tourism and a Resilient Future
Complementing the air arrivals, cruise tourism via the Mormugao Port in South Goa continues to bolster the state's diverse tourism profile. After a pandemic-induced halt, the segment has bounced back strongly. In 2025, 37 cruise vessels arrived, bringing 51,510 passengers, which included 10,086 international and 41,424 domestic tourists.
"Goa's tourism performance, as reflected in the year-wise statistics, clearly demonstrates the resilience of the sector and the effectiveness of the government's sustained efforts towards structured and balanced tourism growth," stated Minister Rohan Khaunte. He added that the steady rise in domestic tourists, coupled with the gradual revival across charter, scheduled flights, and cruise segments, points to the state's enhanced destination readiness and connectivity.
The record-breaking numbers for 2025 stand as a testament to Goa's successful navigation of post-pandemic recovery and its strategic focus on building a tourism model that is both prosperous and sustainable for the future.
