Tourist numbers falling, says Lobo; seeks visa-on-arrival for Europeans

Tourism Minister rejects decline claims, asserts there’s growth

THE GOAN NETWORK | JULY 25, 2025, 01:04 AM IST
Tourist numbers falling, says Lobo; seeks visa-on-arrival for Europeans

MAPUSA
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo on Thursday took on his own government in the Goa Legislative Assembly, disputing the tourism statistics presented by the Tourism Department and claiming that both domestic and international tourist arrivals have seen a significant drop over the last five years.

Raising the issue during Question Hour, Lobo said the department was misleading the House with inflated numbers. “The data for 2020 is particularly questionable as it was the peak COVID-19 year with travel restrictions in place. Yet, the government claims no fall in tourist numbers. Is the minister willing to accept that there has been a consistent decline in both Indian and foreign tourist arrivals over the past five years?” Lobo asked.

He also proposed that the government push for ‘Visa on Arrival’ facilities, especially for tourists from European countries. “This could be a game-changer. Many tourists want to visit Goa but are discouraged by the cumbersome visa process,” Lobo said.

Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, however, rejected claims of a decline, stating that tourism in Goa was on the rise due to a series of proactive initiatives at the State and central levels. “Tourism has picked up. Most flights are running at full capacity. Goa remains one of the most preferred destinations. We have a clear methodology for compiling data and the official figures indicate growth in both domestic and foreign tourist arrivals,” Khaunte said.

He challenged critics to back their claims with evidence. “Anyone saying there’s a fall in numbers should submit proof. Our figures are compiled using established methods, including hotel occupancy data, transport records and footfalls at key tourist hubs,” Khaunte said.

The minister clarified that the department is unable to track tourists who stay in second homes, rented apartments or with friends and family, which leads to some gaps in the data. “There’s also a tendency among some to judge Goa based on short visits during the peak season. It’s unfortunate when so-called influencers visit for a few days, post negative reviews for attention, and leave,” he remarked.

In response to Lobo’s visa pitch, Khaunte informed the House that 170 countries currently have access to the e-Visa facility, while only four countries, including Russia, enjoy a visa-on-arrival arrangement with India. “We can pursue expanding the visa-on-arrival list, but this requires intervention at the central level,” Khaunte said.

Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao pointed out that despite high expenditure on trade marts and international roadshows, footfalls from key markets remained low. “We’re spending a lot on promotion, but where’s the return on investment?” he questioned.

Bicholim MLA Chandrakant Shetye sought country-wise data on foreign tourist arrivals to evaluate the effectiveness of tourism campaigns abroad. 

In response, the Tourism Minister assured that the department would compile and share detailed country-wise data on foreign tourist arrivals with the House.

Share this