Goa plans study to assess tourism carrying capacity

PANAJI
Amid rising tourist inflow to the State, the Goa government has proposed to undertake a scientific carrying capacity study across its tourism belt to assess the impact of visitor numbers on infrastructure and determine the sustainable tourist load for the coastal State.
In a written reply tabled on the floor of the House, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said the department is in the process of appointing a consultant to conduct carrying capacity assessments at major tourist locations.
The proposed study will scientifically determine the sustainable tourist load for Goa, particularly across coastal belts and heritage areas and evaluate the impact of tourism on key infrastructure such as water supply, power, waste management and traffic.
Goa recorded around 1.08 crore tourist arrivals in the 2025 calendar year, with domestic tourists accounting for the overwhelming majority. Data tabled in the Assembly showed that the State received 1,02,84,608 domestic tourists and 5,17,802 foreign tourists in 2025, taking the total tourist arrivals to 1,08,02,410.
The figures also reflect a strong post-pandemic recovery in tourism. Domestic tourist arrivals increased sharply from 33.08 lakh in 2021 to over 1.02 crore in 2025, while foreign tourist arrivals rose from 22,128 in 2021 to 5,17,802 in 2025.
Country-wise data presented in the House indicated that visitors from the UK, Russia, USA, France and Kazakhstan were among the major foreign tourists arriving in the State in recent years.
The statistics suggest that tourism in Goa has gone through distinct phases of growth, disruption during the pandemic and gradual recovery thereafter.
Khaunte said the year-wise data demonstrates the resilience of Goa’s tourism sector and reflects the impact of sustained efforts towards structured growth. He also clarified that there has been no decline in tourist footfalls in 2025 compared to 2024, amid concerns that negative or misleading content on social media could affect the State’s tourism reputation.
“The steady rise in domestic tourism, the gradual revival of foreign arrivals across charter and scheduled international flights as well as cruise segments, along with the enhanced role of Manohar International Airport, indicate improved connectivity and destination preparedness,” the minister said.
He added that the government’s focus remains on quality tourism, market diversification and regenerative tourism to ensure sustainable growth of the sector.