Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a remarkable shift from previous trends, Goa recorded a significant rise in tourist footfall in June 2025—a month typically considered part of the state’s off-peak season. This unexpected upswing has been attributed to the Goa Tourism Department’s strategic promotion of monsoon festivals and community-driven experiences under its Regenerative Tourism initiative.
Leading the charge were two of Goa’s most iconic monsoon celebrations — São João and Chikal Kalo — which brought vibrant energy to villages across the state. These festivals, deeply rooted in Goan tradition and celebrated with communal spirit, became the focal point of a fresh wave of digital and grassroots storytelling led by the tourism department. By collaborating with local influencers, artists, and community leaders, the department successfully attracted a younger and more culturally curious audience.
The outcome of this targeted promotion has been tangible. Hotels, homestays, cruise operators, local guides, and artisans all reported a spike in bookings, inquiries, and visitor engagement throughout June. Stakeholders noted that this season brought not just higher numbers, but more meaningful interactions between tourists and the cultural fabric of Goa.
“This June has been unlike any other,” said Jack Sukhija, President of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG). “We’ve seen guests take genuine interest in our traditions—participating in events, understanding their history, and truly immersing themselves in Goan culture. It’s a refreshing change.”
Echoing this sentiment, Ranjit Phillipose, Senior Vice President – Operations, IHCL Goa, added, “The Goa Tourism Department’s focused promotion of festivals like São João has translated into strong occupancy across both North and South Goa. The storytelling around Goa’s culture has resonated well with visitors, offering a far more grounded and authentic experience.”
The Department of Tourism’s ongoing campaign to redefine Goa’s image—from a purely beach-and-party destination to a year-round, culturally rich and rejuvenating escape—seems to be gaining ground. Upcoming monsoon events like Chikhal Kalo (5th to 7th July), along with heritage walks and spiritual circuits, are already generating buzz.
Adding to the allure was the launch of the wellness-centric ‘Glow on Arrival’ campaign, which focused on Goa’s tranquil monsoon atmosphere. With mist-laden hills, lush landscapes, and the calming rhythm of rainfall, the campaign positioned the state as a haven for relaxation and self-renewal.
Officials from the Department affirmed their commitment to sustaining this momentum through continuous support for community-based tourism and collaborations with local entrepreneurs, cultural custodians, and tourism partners. Their aim is clear: to reposition Goa as a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable tourism destination throughout the year.
As Goa heads into July, the state’s stakeholders are optimistic. With cultural tourism taking center stage and the monsoon being embraced as a season of celebration and connection, Goa appears to be rewriting its tourism narrative — one festival at a time.
