HBI Staff | Hyderabad 
Goa’s position as India’s leading leisure destination remains unchallenged, with a notable 12% increase in travel searches and a 14% rise in hotel bookings during October-December 2024, according to data from MakeMyTrip. This comes amidst concerns over declining foreign tourist numbers and viral social media claims about empty beaches, closed shacks, and high travel costs.
Despite these challenges, MakeMyTrip’s Co-Founder and Group CEO Rajesh Magow highlighted Goa’s sustained appeal among domestic travelers. “Our data from the last quarter of 2024 underscores Goa’s enduring charm. Searches on our platform grew by 12% year-on-year, and room night sales across hotels, homestays, and villas increased by 14%, reflecting continued interest in Goa as a preferred destination,” Magow stated.
A key highlight of the data is the growing preference for premium and luxury accommodations. Bookings for properties priced above ₹7,000 per night surged by 41% year-on-year, signaling an increased desire among travelers to indulge in high-end experiences during their stay.
The hospitality industry in Goa has also responded to this rising demand with an expansion of inventory. The number of active hotels, homestays, and villas available for bookings grew significantly compared to 2023, offering travelers more diverse and luxurious options across the state.
“This growth reflects a shift in traveler preferences toward premium experiences and a wider variety of locations within Goa,” Magow added.
While concerns over the state’s tourism sector persist—such as complaints of exploitation by taxi drivers and rising competition from Southeast Asian destinations—the data highlights the resilience of Goa’s hospitality industry in catering to evolving traveler expectations.
