Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has rejected claims that tourism in the coastal state is in decline, attributing concerns to misleading narratives driven by social media influencers. Speaking at the ABP Network’s Ideas of India Summit 2025, Sawant insisted that Goa remains a thriving and safe tourist destination.
“This is not accurate. Certain influencers are attempting to shift perceptions away from Goa as a premier tourism destination. This is not the appropriate platform to discuss which influencer is responsible, but we are conducting an investigation. Goa remains a safe and clean destination, attracting visitors who come to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea,” Sawant said.
The Chief Minister cited government data showing a 21% increase in tourism, stating that approximately 10 million tourists visited Goa in the past year, compared to eight million the year before. However, he did not clarify the exact timeframe of these figures. He attributed reports of emptier beaches during the New Year period to government efforts to decongest popular tourist spots.
While Sawant remains optimistic about the state’s tourism sector, recent reports suggest a mixed reality. According to data from the Goa Tourism Department, domestic tourism has continued to grow, with nearly 9.94 million Indian tourists visiting in 2024. However, foreign tourist arrivals have sharply declined, falling by more than half since pre-pandemic levels in 2018-19.
A report by Upstox highlights several challenges contributing to Goa’s changing tourism landscape. Indian tourists are increasingly choosing destinations in Southeast Asia, where relaxed visa rules, budget-friendly options, and well-maintained infrastructure have made places like Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam attractive alternatives. In 2024, Thailand alone saw two million Indian visitors, underscoring this shift.
The rising cost of travel and accommodation in Goa has also been a concern. The report further found that a four-night stay in Goa often costs more than similar stays in Bali, Krabi, and Da Nang. While flights to international locations may be more expensive, lower hotel rates make these destinations competitive with Goa. Additional concerns include transportation issues and infrastructure challenges. Tourists frequently report being overcharged by local taxi operators. While the government introduced the GoaMiles app in 2018 to address this issue, its success has been limited. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Ola remain largely unavailable in the state.
Addressing safety concerns, Sawant acknowledged two recent incidents of tourist assaults but claimed they involved both parties. “I express regret for it,” he stated. He further emphasised the state’s efforts in promoting sports and spiritual tourism and encouraged visitors to book accommodations through government-approved websites.