New Year around the corner, but Goa still empty? Netizens sceptical of viral video

A user on X claimed that despite it being just hours away from the New Year, Goa is practically devoid of tourists, sparking a debate among netizens.

2025 is almost here, yet it seems the usual party scene of Goa is nowhere to be found. Video and photos from various users have gone viral over the past few days claiming that there is a very small crowd in the much happening state of India during what is supposed to be peak tourist season.

Most notably, the viral video by user @DeepikaBhardwaj on X has sparked debate among Indians on the platform.

In her post, she shared a photo and said, "Goa is almost empty. Hardly any tourists. It should be a wake up call for the government. Hope they do something especially about the transport."

She followed it up with a video of Goa streets, stating, "For those calling me a liar. This was last night on roads that used to be totally jampacked earlier around new year."

Another user, @Ravisutanjani reposted the videos stating, "Can’t Believe This is Goa Around New Year. Basically, People Are Going To South East Asian Countries To Get Better Value For Money. Indian Tourism in a Nutshell, Disappointed"

User @Vikrant_warrior replied to it with, "Goa is horrible. One must avoid. High air tickets. Very high hotel cost. Inflated taxi rates. Even Ola and Uber not available. Unhygienic area. Infrastructure is pathetic. And value to money is just 25 per cent. Better to go to outside India to enjoy your holiday"

User @DecolonizeIndia also retweeted the post with a photo of a railway compartment, stating, "Rn travelling in festival special train (on the way to Goa). And its full empty lol."

Some users were sceptical of the video. User @Ronak_Kamat, said he was a Goa resident refuted the claims, stating the Goa is not empty and the regular spots are just as jam-packed as usual.

"Born and raised in #Goa. Goa is not empty. Goans know the difference. Can hardly get to my regular spots without an insane amount of tourist vehicles & taxis delaying me since the last week," he said

"If this is empty for you, let it be. Most of my Goan friends are forced to spend this week at home or at nearby locations because it takes us forever to cross the bridge and head to North Goa," he added.

The user also criticised the tourists' views of Goa, stating, "Goans adjust and have historically adjusted for tourists to come here and then speak poorly about us."

"So yes, if this is empty. Let it be empty. Goa is not obligated to be more “full” for your liking. Thank you, from every Goan," he replied.

Another user, @IamShajanSamuel, also denied the claim, stating, "False information. Goa is fully packed."

@DeepikaBhardwaj replied quickly stating, " I am in Goa @IamShajanSamuel You can choose to close your eyes. That won't change the reality. Negligible crowd even on Calangute. Most restaurants were empty."

User @SurbhiSeeking said, "If you saw a few lanes empty, does that mean you can confirm the entire Goa is empty? How irresponsible! Stop killing local businesses by spreading misinformation!"

These claims were further contradicted by reports of hotels being completely booked ahead of New Year's Eve.

Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said four-star and five-star hotels are fully occupied, which reflects the arrival of high-spending tourists. Khaunte added the spectacular tourist footfall shows the negative campaign around Goa's tourism has failed.

A police official said that the Mumbai-Goa highway has been facing traffic congestion due to the extra rush of vehicles ahead of the New Year celebrations, adding more scepticism to the claims.

(With PTI inputs)