Calangute MLA Michael Lobo on Thursday questioned the government’s claims of a rise in tourist arrivals in Goa, alleging that the data provided by the Tourism Department was inaccurate and misleading.
Raising a starred question in the Legislative Assembly, Lobo stated that the figures for foreign tourist arrivals were inflated as they included Goans holding Portuguese passports who had returned to the State. “Is the government aware that there is a decline in tourist footfalls in the State in the last five years, particularly after the Covid pandemic?” Lobo asked.
He asserted that the data furnished by the department was incorrect and demanded to know the methodology and parameters used to compile the statistics. Lobo also called for an amendment to existing laws to curb the menace of touts and other illegal activities along Goa’s beaches. He said that introducing a Visa on Arrival facility could be a game changer for boosting international tourism.
Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao sought specific data on international tourist arrivals from countries where the government had organised roadshows and where the Tourism Minister had led delegations. He also questioned whether the Department of Tourism had written to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) to collect accurate records of international tourist entries into the State.
Bicholim MLA Chandrakant Shetye also joined the discussion and urged Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte to provide country-wise details of foreign tourist arrivals.
In response, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte rejected claims of a decline in tourism and insisted that Goa had witnessed growth. “Tourism is on the rise due to various initiatives by the State and Union governments to boost international tourism. Flights are full with tourists coming to Goa. We Goans can see the growth happening,” Khaunte said.
Refuting the Opposition's assertions, Khaunte stated that in the first six months of 2025 alone, Goa recorded 54.55 lakh tourist arrivals, which included 51.83 lakh domestic and 2.71 lakh foreign tourists.
To improve accuracy in data collection, the Minister informed the House that the Department had begun using the Tourism Information Management Enterprise (TIME) software, now made mandatory for all hotels.This, he said, would enable the government to access updated, real-time tourism data.
Khaunte also said the government was considering amendments to the Goa Tourism Trade Act to empower authorities to take action against illegal activities in coastal areas.