Goa, India’s tourist magnet, is today grappling with an alarming slowdown. Shantanu Deshpande, CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, expressed this unease in a LinkedIn post: “The fall in tourism in Goa has been rapid and severe. Social media has reduced word-of-mouth cycles from years to hours.
Once bustling bars are now empty, shacks are quiet and events are sparsely attended, he writes, adding that the decline comes as many investors who bought vacation homes for high returns are questioning their choice.
“What they say: ‘We are so happy that Goa is now becoming serene and calm, without noisy hordes of tourists.’ What they really feel: “Damn, this investment is going to die. I don’t want to go to Goa either,'” Deshpande wrote.
Goa’s tourism woes exploded on social media after viral posts criticized its infrastructure. Complaints ranged from the unreliable monopoly on transportation and taxis to the skyrocketing prices of hotels and flights. Entrepreneur Ramanuj Mukherjee said: “Foreign tourists have abandoned Goa”, highlighting the decline in their numbers and a shift towards international alternatives like Thailand and Sri Lanka.
In response, Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte called the allegations a “smear campaign”, alleging that influencers had been paid to malign the state’s reputation. It cited a 22% increase in domestic tourist arrivals in 2024, with 1.04 crore visitors recorded. However, the number of foreign tourists remains well below pre-pandemic levels, affected by geopolitical conflicts and logistical challenges.
While tourism is struggling, Goa’s real estate market continues to grow. Property values have increased by 30-50% over four years, driven by high rental yields of 12-16% per year and better connectivity via the new Mopa International Airport. Investors have flocked to Goa for its lifestyle, pristine beaches and rich culture. However, faced with the decline in tourist numbers, many are re-evaluating their decisions. “It will be fascinating to see the painful escalation of commitment from people who actually moved there,” Deshpande remarked.
Social media influencers and local activists have intensified the debate. Documentary filmmaker Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj, whose viral message about Goa’s emptiness has drawn criticism, said: “It [was] a heartfelt cry to make Goa better. Meanwhile, local influencers are urging the government to tackle real problems such as transport inefficiency and poor waste management, instead of dismissing criticism.
