Goa records robust 21 percent growth in tourism, sets new milestones in 2024

Goa Khabar : The Department of Tourism, Goa, organized a comprehensive day-long conclave for tourism stakeholders. Chaired by the Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Rohan Khaunte, and Director of Tourism, Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, the event aimed to counter misinformation about tourist footfall figures and reaffirm Goa’s position as a premier tourism destination. 

The conclave brought together key stakeholders from diverse sectors, including cruise tourism, airport operations, charter flights, beach tourism, transport, and accommodation. Members of the Goa Tourism Board including Mark Mendes, Ernest Dias, Carlos de Sousa; TTAG President Jack Sukhija, and other industry representatives discussed strategies to enhance Goa’s tourism experience and ensure sustainable growth.

Addressing the media after the stakeholders conclave, Shri. Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director of Tourism stated that the state saw a notable 21% growth which promises a very positive and promising trend of tourism in Goa, with a substantial 54% increase in tourists visiting in December 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. The quarterly growth from October to December stood at 38%. While domestic tourist numbers increased by 22%, foreign tourist numbers grew by 3%.” These provisional figures show that there is strong growth in terms of numbers.

Director Suneel Anchipaka IAS further said that the data has been compiled from credible sources, including airport arrivals, Konkan Railways, and the Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) and other transport operators. These statistics unequivocally indicate a robust growth in Goa’s tourism sector, reaffirming its position as a preferred destination.

The director further stated that Dabolim Airport saw a significant surge in passenger traffic, with a remarkable 27% growth in December 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. He said that the government is focusing on quality over quantity and that the hotel occupancy remained highest this season which shows that high-end tourists are preferring Goa.

Hon’ble Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte stated “In the year 2023, Goa received 81,75,460 domestic tourists and 4,52,702 international tourists, totalling 86,28,162 visitors. Whereas in the year 2024, provisional figures show that Goa welcomed 99,41,285 domestic tourists and around 4,67,911 international tourists, bringing the total to 1,04,09,196 visitors.”

The Minister highlighted that during the last week of December 2024, Goa saw a record 200 flights arriving daily. Despite the broader Asia tourism sector facing a -18% growth rate post-COVID-19, Goa’s 3% growth in foreign tourist arrivals signifies the state’s resilience and adaptability.

The Tourism Minister also addressed the recent criticism from social media influencers, attributing it to unverified data released by the China Economic Information Centre. He expressed that Goa is performing much better than the national average; has got a great resilience in adaptability in the competitive tourism landscape and as a year to year-round destination we are also looking at increasing off season business.

The Minister acknowledged challenges such as overtourism, particularly at popular beaches like Baga and Calangute, which have faced overcrowding, waste management issues, and occasional conflicts between locals and tourists. These challenges, along with the impact of budget tourism, require a focused and proactive approach to maintain Goa’s infrastructure and reputation.

To enhance the overall tourist experience, the government is adopting technology across various services. Platforms such as Goa Miles and the Goa Taxi app are integral to improving transport services. The Minister assured that concerns related to taxi operations are being actively addressed through technology-driven solutions. Additionally, efforts are being made to educate visitors about Goa’s cultural values, traditions, and boundaries, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation among tourists.

Responding to concerns about a perceived decline in tourism, the Minister emphasized that several hotels achieved near 100% occupancy this year, accompanied by impressive Average Room Rates (AAR). He further noted that, under the Ease of Doing Business initiative, the number of registered hotels in the state has increased from approximately 3,000 in 2022 to nearly 9,000 in 2024 across various categories, ensuring visitors have a broader range of accommodation options, including homestays.

The minister further stated that issues raised during the stakeholder meeting will be taken up at the upcoming Goa Tourism Board meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. An actionable plan will be formulated in collaboration with the Chief Secretary and other officials and presented to the Chief Minister for implementation.

“We strongly believe in the ethos of Atithi Devo Bhava, where every guest is treated with utmost respect and hospitality. Our commitment is to uphold this principle while ensuring Goa remains a premier destination that offers unique experiences, vibrant culture, and world-class services,” the Minister concluded.