Goa was once the first choice of foreign tourists, but now, due to inflation, visa problems, overcrowding, and better facilities, tourists are turning to countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Thailand.

There was a time when Goa was a top choice for foreign tourists. Millions of people from Russia, Britain, and Europe visit Goa every year for holidays. Goa's beaches, party culture, and affordable travel were a popular choice for foreigners. But now, the situation is rapidly changing. The number of foreign tourists is steadily declining, while countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Thailand appear to be overtaking them.

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Statistics show that nearly 900,000 foreign tourists visited Goa in 2017, but this number dropped to around 500,000 by 2025. In 2019, Goa received approximately 937,000 foreign tourists, but this figure dropped to around 400,000 by 2023. The decline in foreign tourists has had the greatest impact on hotels, beach shacks, taxis, and small businesses, as foreign tourists typically stay longer and spend more.

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The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a significant blow to Goa's tourism. International flights were halted during the pandemic, and travel restrictions were imposed in many countries. Just as tourism was beginning to recover, the Russia-Ukraine war broke out. Goa used to receive a large number of Russian and Ukrainian tourists every year, but the economic situation worsened after the war, and travel became significantly more expensive. Many charter flights began to fly empty, and some were even forced to shut down.

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Furthermore, the ongoing tensions and wars in the Middle East have also impacted Goa's tourism. Increasing airspace disruptions in Gulf countries have made flights more expensive. Oil prices have risen, pushing air ticket prices higher. For Europeans and Russians, traveling to India has become significantly more expensive than before. Many foreign tourists are now choosing destinations that offer better facilities at a lower cost.

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The recent war or inflation isn't the only reason behind the decline in foreign tourist arrivals in Goa. In fact, this decline began many years ago. Goa's Tourism Minister, Rohan Khaunte, acknowledged that understanding the situation requires both an optimistic and a pessimistic perspective. There was a time in the 1960s and 1970s when Goa was considered a favorite destination for foreign tourists due to the "hippie culture," but now people are gradually moving to other destinations.

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Foreign tourists believe that the Indian visa process has become longer and more complicated than before. Many tourists cited the increased fees for five-year visas as a major reason. Ernest Dias, a member of the Goa Tourism Department's committee and owner of a travel charter company, says that on-arrival visas are easily available in countries like Vietnam and Sri Lanka, so people plan their trips there early. He says that people nowadays often decide on vacations at the last minute, and visa delays often force them to choose other destinations. Dias also said that the prices of good hotels in Goa have increased significantly. The increasing influx of domestic tourists and large events like meetings and conferences have made hotels so expensive that many foreign tourists are finding it difficult to afford accommodation.

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On the other hand, Sri Lanka has rapidly established itself as a promising tourist destination. Affordable hotels, easy visas, and clean beaches are attracting a significant number of foreign tourists. A significant number of people from India are also visiting Sri Lanka. In 2025, more than 500,000 Indian tourists arrived in Sri Lanka. Tourism in Sri Lanka has now surpassed pre-Covid levels.

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Another major problem in Goa is cleanliness and overcrowding. Many foreign tourists say that the once peaceful and relaxed atmosphere of Goa is diminishing. Some even wrote on social media that Goa has become overly commercial. Meanwhile, countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam are attracting visitors by offering better infrastructure and easier travel experiences.