The Department of Tourism, Goa, hosted a conclave chaired by Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte and Director Shri Suneel Anchipaka to address tourism growth and counter misinformation. The event, featuring key stakeholders, discussed strategies for sustainable tourism. Director Anchipaka highlighted a 21% overall growth in tourism, with a 54% increase in December 2024 compared to 2023. Domestic tourism rose by 22%, and foreign tourism grew by 3%, indicating strong growth trends for Goa.
Director Suneel Anchipaka stated that data from credible sources like airport arrivals, Konkan Railways, and KTCL shows strong growth in Goa’s tourism. Dabolim Airport saw a 27% increase in passenger traffic in December 2024 compared to 2023. He emphasized the government’s focus on quality tourism, with high hotel occupancy indicating a preference for Goa among high-end tourists.
Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte said, “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 Shri 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.
Rohan Khaunte further added, “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 Department of Tourism, Goa, hosted a conclave chaired by Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte and Director Shri Suneel Anchipaka to address tourism growth and counter misinformation.
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