Goa Sees Historic Surge In Tourist Arrivals With 54 Lakh Visitors In 6 Months

For many Indians, Goa is more than just a destination - it's a dream vacation that often takes years to plan. But when it finally happens, the experience is always worth the wait. Whether it's dancing on the beach, being mesmerised by the serene backwaters, enjoying late-night karaoke, or indulging in mouthwatering seafood, it's no surprise that travellers are flocking in like never before. According to the state tourism department, Goa has seen a record-breaking surge in domestic and international tourists, with 54.55 lakh visitors - including 51.84 lakh domestic and 2.71 lakh international tourists - between January and June 2025, reported PTI.

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The state tourism department spokesperson stated that January saw the highest number of tourist arrivals, with a total of 10.56 lakh visitors, including 9.86 lakh domestic and nearly 70,000 international. February saw 9.05 lakh tourists, including 8.44 lakh from India and over 61,000 international visitors, followed by March, which recorded 8.89 lakh tourists, with 8.32 lakh domestic and around 56,000 international. The official further stated that April saw 8.42 lakh visitors, including 8.14 lakh domestic and 28,000 international arrivals, followed by 9.27 lakh tourists in May, comprising 8.97 lakh domestic and nearly 30,000 foreign visitors. June recorded 8.34 lakh total arrivals, with 8.08 lakh domestic and around 25,000 international visitors.

What's Driving The Surge?

Director of Tourism Kedar Naik said that the rise in tourists is a result of the state's efforts to improve its infrastructure. The state has worked on expanding and modernising airport facilities, improving transport services, and developing new hotels and resorts. Goa's presence at national and international travel trade fairs, its emphasis on cultural and monsoon tourism, spiritual circuits, and hinterland trails - coupled with the hosting of large-scale festivals and sporting events - has helped attract a wide spectrum of travelers, he said.

Hidden Places In Goa

• Vainguinim Beach: A colourful and serene beach with clear blue water and white sand, perfect for a peaceful escape from crowds.
• Divar Island: A hidden gem accessible only by ferry, featuring a single land road with ancient temples built before the Portuguese invasion.
• Butterfly Beach: A beach shaped like a butterfly, located near Palolem, great for dolphin sightings and stunning sunsets.
• Galgibaga Beach: One of the cleanest beaches in Goa, a nesting site for endangered Olive Ridley turtles.

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Top Attractions In Goa

One of the most iconic spots in Goa is Calangute Beach, also known as the Queen of Beaches. It's the largest beach in North Goa and is popular for water sports and nightlife. If you're looking for party scenes and flea markets, then you can visit Baga and Anjuna Beaches. If you want a peaceful beach with a breathtaking sunset, then consider Palolem Beach in South Goa. Other attractions include Chapora Fort, which offers panoramic views of Vagator Beach and the Arabian Sea; the UNESCO World Heritage Site Basilica of Bom Jesus, which holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier; and one of the tallest waterfalls in India, known as Dudhsagar Falls.