Goa, Oct. 9 -- Goa welcomed more than 5.45 million tourists, including over 2.7 lakh foreign visitors, in the first half of 2025, according to official data released by the state government on Thursday.

Speaking at an event, Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte highlighted the state's efforts to enhance connectivity, noting new charter flights from Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Moscow, and upcoming flights from Kazakhstan starting October 25. Airlines like Aeroflot now operate up to nine weekly flights to Goa, further boosting arrivals.

In 2024, Goa recorded 10.41 million tourist arrivals, comprising 99.4 lakh domestic and 4.68 lakh foreign visitors. The first half of 2025 saw an 8% year-on-year growth, with 51.8 lakh domestic and 2.71 lakh...