Panaji: The UK and Russia continued to dominate international tourist arrivals to Goa in 2025-26. On the domestic front, Maharashtra and Karnataka emerged as the biggest sources of tourist footfall into the state’s hotels. Data compiled through the state’s tourist information management enterprise (TIME) software also shows that Goans themselves are helping fuel strong year-on-year growth, with Goa ranking as the fifth-largest domestic source market for its own hospitality sector.Among foreign markets, the UK sent 70,349 visitors to Goa in 2025-26, up from 47,212 the previous year — a 49% jump that made it the state’s largest overseas feeder market by a wide margin. Russia remained second, with arrivals increasing from 30,103 to 43,396. The US ranked third, contributing 24,878 tourists compared with 17,425 a year earlier, while Germany held fourth place, rising from 8,656 to 11,958 arrivals.Australia, Israel, Canada, Kazakhstan, and Nepal also featured in the top 10 source countries, each posting double-digit percentage growth. France was one of the few exceptions among major markets, edging down slightly from 6,795 to 6,635 arrivals.Domestically, Maharashtra led by a considerable margin, sending 15.9 lakh visitors in 2025-26 versus 10.8 lakh in 2024-25, a 47% increase. Karnataka was second, rising from 6.5 lakh to 8.6 lakh. Delhi followed, growing from 3.3 lakh to 4.4 lakh. Gujarat, and Goa itself were also among the top five, with Goa’s position reflecting substantial intrastate travel booked through hotels. Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu completed the top 10 domestic contributor list, with each recording healthy year-on-year gains.These market-wise figures, however, come with a key caveat. Only 60% of registered hotels submitted tourist arrival data on the TIME platform in 2025-26 — an improvement from 45% the previous year, but still below what the tourism department considers an adequate compliance level. Hoteliers have questioned how much of the growth reported by country and state reflects genuine increases in footfall versus better reporting discipline, particularly among guesthouses, budget hotels, and homestays.The data-submission gap has drawn renewed attention as govt extended Goa Electronics Ltd’s TIME application contract until Dec 28. Tourism director Kedar Naik added a condition: A 10% hike in processing fees for hotels using the TIME portal would be considered only if 70% of the state’s 7,098 registered hotels and guesthouses submit their data.Tourism officials are reviewing measures to raise compliance, including periodic reminders, as reliable, real-time data submission remains central to the accuracy of Goa’s tourism statistics.
