After a storm of social media posts slamming Goa’s tourism setup – from taxis to hotels – and drawing comparisons with international destinations like Sri Lanka, the Goa government has reportedly released a statement pushing back, claiming that measuring a single Indian state against whole countries “can give a false perspective.”
In its response, the Department of Tourism acknowledged public concerns and noted the recent social media debates on the state’s tourism challenges and pledged ongoing efforts to address them. The statement clarified that Goa, as a state in India, faces unique logistical constraints compared to independent countries with larger infrastructure budgets and independent tourism policies.
The tourism department admitted that Goa’s limited international air links remain a hindrance but added that it is working closely with the Indian government to open more direct routes to increase accessibility. This includes discussions about additional seat rights and extended flight times to meet demand.
“Goa, like all tourist destinations, operates within market dynamics, which can sometimes drive up the cost of air travel and hotel rates,” the department explained, adding that the state remains committed to providing a vibrant holiday experience for all travelers. Despite higher prices, the department highlighted the presence of top international hotel brands, with several new properties in the pipeline, further underscoring Goa’s appeal to global visitors.
The response follows a wave of posts on X claiming that Goa’s tourism industry is “down in the dumps”, forcing tourists to consider Sri Lanka, Thailand or Vietnam instead. Critics cited high costs, unreliable transport and the “local taxi mafia” as deterrents for many travellers.
Countering these claims, the Department of Tourism pointed to a “robust resurgence” in domestic tourism, noting that over 8 million Indian tourists visited Goa in 2023, a figure that exceeds pre-pandemic numbers. It also reported that 4.5 lakh foreign tourists came to Goa last year, despite lingering challenges in the global travel market.
Furthermore, the department expressed a shift in focus from pure visitor numbers to sustainable tourism, with an emphasis on environmental and societal benefits. “Our aim is to prioritize quality over quantity, to ensure that tourism in Goa benefits both the local ecosystem and its people,” the department noted.
Ministry of Tourism data indicates that Goa’s international tourism has not fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels; Foreign tourist visits peaked at over 9 lakh in 2018 and 2019, compared to 4.5 lakh in 2023. However, the government remains optimistic, claiming that planned infrastructure and connectivity improvements will position Goa strongly in the competitive tourism market.
