Team Goemkarponn
PORVORIM: The Government of Goa is preparing to conduct a scientific assessment to determine how many visitors its key tourist destinations can sustainably accommodate, as the state witnesses a steady rise in tourist arrivals.
In a written reply tabled in the Goa Legislative Assembly, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said the tourism department is in the process of appointing a consultant to carry out the study across major coastal belts and heritage locations.
The proposed exercise will analyse the pressure that increasing tourist numbers place on critical infrastructure such as water supply, electricity networks, waste management systems and road traffic. The findings are expected to help the government formulate policies to regulate visitor flows and support sustainable tourism planning.
Data presented in the Assembly shows that Goa received more than 1.08 crore tourists in 2025, indicating a strong rebound in the tourism sector. Of this total, 1,02,84,608 were domestic travellers, while 5,17,802 were international visitors.
Domestic tourism has grown significantly in recent years, rising from 33.08 lakh visitors in 2021 to over one crore in 2025. International arrivals have also recovered, increasing from 22,128 in 2021 to more than five lakh last year. The largest number of foreign tourists came from the United Kingdom, Russia, the United States, France and Kazakhstan.
Khaunte said the figures reflect the resilience of the tourism sector despite concerns that negative or misleading social media narratives could affect the state’s image. He attributed the steady inflow of visitors to improved connectivity through the Manohar International Airport, expansion of charter and scheduled international flights, and a rise in cruise tourism.
The minister said the government is focusing on promoting quality tourism, diversifying source markets and encouraging regenerative practices so that tourism growth does not come at the cost of the state’s environmental and cultural heritage.
