Goa's food, culture, people bowl over foreign tourists

If the 2024-2025 season was good for tourism stakeholders, it was better for many of the foreign tourists – the repeat travellers and first-timers. Of course, there were the occasional blips, especially with taxi drivers, but most went home with happy memories and the desire to return.

A social media post that says, "Three fractures in my foot and ankle; I wouldn’t have met the loveliest of people if I hadn’t done that. Here’s to 2026," sums up the holiday season.

The number of return guests has left many in the industry happy and optimistic about the future as, like in any other industry, word of mouth is the best medium to spread the goodness of Goa.

For example, Ged Barber’s experience of  “visiting lovely places, but most of all, being with a group of fabulous people,” reinforces the fact that for many, it is the people of Goa that help add colour to their .

ADD ONS: Although temporary, most beach huts are equipped with all the necessary amenities.

For many travellers, their holidays are not just about coming to Goa, but experiencing different aspects of India through their journeys. As Clare Marais writes, “Wagah Border crossing ceremony was amazing, then new teeth in Goa.”

Dentists in Goa are the new group to join tourism stakeholders with not only locals settled abroad booking appointments at clinics, but foreign tourists opting to give their teeth a second look at the hand of locals dentists.

As Amanda Jane states, “Having a new bridge and implant”, was one of the highs of her holiday in Goa. And Diane Hutching believes, “My husband having knee replacement, now he can walk without having to say every five minutes, I need to sit down.”

For people returning to Goa after long, the experience is best described by Ian Atkinson who says, “For me, it was coming back to Goa which I hadn’t seen in seven years. But making this beautiful place my 15th trip. You either love or hate it. What I find are the people are just lovely to talk to and can’t do enough to help you. My partner just fell in love with the place. Hoping to be back soon,”

HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER: Beach huts are the preferred accommodation option for many tourists.

With foreign tourists returning, the demand for beach huts has increased, and for those located in the extreme ends – in the south to Arambol in the north – business has been good.

“Most of our beach huts were occupied right through the season, and I have bookings for next year, too. My guests enjoy the quiet vibes here. They normally like to read, enjoy their music with headphones and like our food,” admits Chand, a beach hut owner in South Goa.

Depending on the times of the season, beach huts sell from Rs 1,000 a day to even Rs 4,000 (during peak time) a day. Most are temporary structures which include all the amenities.

“Living in a is an altogether different experience. First, one has to trust the owners because break-ins are not difficult. But, most owners are nice locals with whom you can safely leave your belongings,” is Dhruv’s experience.

The 2024-2025 Goa is best summed by first-timer Mel Carol who posted, “First time in Goa, and we are in love with the place, its amazing people, the food and culture! Already, looking at booking again for next year. We can see why people are drawn back to the place time after time. The whole holiday was the best experience! XX.”

Goa, because of its people, has always been an experience for visitors and will continue so as that is one fabric, though shrinking, is the hallmark of the industry and cannot be changed.