The United Kingdom and Russia were the main international contributors to Goa’s tourism sector in 2025-26, while Maharashtra and Karnataka stood out as the largest sources of domestic tourists. Data from the Tourist Information Management Enterprise (TIME) software also highlighted Goans themselves as the fifth-largest domestic market, supporting the state’s hospitality industry.
Tourist Arrivals and Growth by Source
The UK led foreign arrivals with 70,349 visitors in 2025-26, marking a 49% increase from 47,212 the previous year. Russia ranked second internationally, with visitor numbers climbing from 30,103 to 43,396. The United States was third, contributing 24,878 tourists, up from 17,425. Germany’s visitors increased from 8,656 to
11,958, placing it fourth, while France experienced a slight decline from 6,795 to 6,635 arrivals.
Domestically, Maharashtra sent 1.59 million tourists to Goa, a rise of 47% compared to 1.08 million in 2024-25. Karnataka followed with 860,000 visitors, up from 650,000. Delhi also showed growth, increasing from 330,000 to 440,000 arrivals. Other top domestic sources included Gujarat and Goa itself, reflecting significant intrastate travel. Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu completed the top ten domestic markets, all posting year-on-year gains.
Data Compliance and Government Actions
As of 2025-26, Goa had 7,098 registered hotels and guesthouses. Data submission compliance via the TIME software
rose to 60%, improving from 45% in the previous year but remaining below the tourism department’s adequate level. The government extended the contract of Goa Electronics Ltd for maintaining the TIME application until December 28, 2026.
Tourism director Kedar Naik stipulated that a 10% increase in processing fees for hotels using the TIME portal will only be considered once 70% of registered accommodations submit their data. This move aims to encourage higher reporting compliance across the sector.
Measures to Improve Reporting and Market Observations
Officials are examining steps such as periodic reminders to boost data submission rates, given that reliable and real-time reporting is essential for accurate
tourism statistics. The improvement from 45% to 60% compliance partly reflects better reporting discipline among guesthouses, budget hotels, and homestays, though gaps persist.
Among international markets, Australia, Israel, Canada, Kazakhstan, and Nepal also registered double-digit percentage increases in arrivals. Conversely, France’s slight decline was notable amid overall growth in other countries.
