Goa, India’s tourism magnet, is now facing an alarming recession. Shantanu Deshpande, managing director of Bombay Shaving Company, captured the malaise in a LinkedIn post: “Goa’s tourism decline has been swift 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 wrote, adding that this decline comes as many investors who bought vacation homes at high yields are left questioning their options .

“What they’re saying is, ‘We’re so happy that Goa is getting quiet and peaceful now without noisy hordes of tourists.’ What they’re really feeling is, ‘Shit, this investment is going to die. I don’t want to go to Goa either.’ ,” Deshpande wrote.

Goa’s tourism woes erupted on social media after viral posts criticized its infrastructure. Complaints ranged from unreliable transport and taxi monopolies to rising hotel and flight costs. Businessman Ramanuj Mukherjee claimed, “Foreign tourists have left Goa,” pointing to declining numbers and a shift to international alternatives such as Thailand and Sri Lanka.

In response, Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte dismissed the claims as a “smear campaign”, alleging that influencers were being paid to malign the state’s reputation. It cited a 22% increase in domestic tourist arrivals by 2024, with 1.04 million visitors recorded. However, the number of foreign tourists remains well below pre-pandemic levels, affected by geopolitical conflicts and logistical challenges.

While tourism struggles, Goa’s real estate market continues to boom. Property values ​​have increased by 30-50% over four years, driven by high rental yields of 12-16% per annum and improved connectivity through the new Mopa International Airport. Investors flocked to Goa for its attractive lifestyle, pristine beaches and cultural richness. However, with the decrease in the influx of tourists, many are reassessing their decisions. “It will be fascinating to see the painful escalation of commitment from people who have actually moved in,” Deshpande remarked.

Social media influencers and local activists have intensified the debate. Documentary filmmaker Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj, whose viral post on Goa’s emptiness drew criticism, said, “It (was) a heartfelt cry to improve Goa.” Meanwhile, local influencers are urging the government to tackle real issues like transport inefficiencies and poor waste management rather than dismissing criticism.