Panaji, Dec 8 (ET): Goa, India's party capital, is expected to welcome almost 25-30% more tourists during this Christmas and New Year compared with last time, with an increased share of domestic travellers, say travel companies and hoteliers. "This season will be one of the best for Goa. The IFFI (International Film Fest of India), Exposition, Christmas, New Year and a host of festivals lined up till March will keep Goa bustling with activity," says Ameya Abhyankar, director of Goa Tourism.

Abhyankar claims that the decennial exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier — commenced on November 22 and is expected to go on until January 4 — itself will witness almost 50 lakh pilgrims visiting Goa. To cater to the rush, the Goa Tourism Development CorporationBSE 1.46 % has arranged short tours of heritage monuments and churches in old Goa, and special boat rides from Santa Monica jetty for pilgrims and other tourists.

Travel companies have witnessed a sharp increase in sales of domestic packages to Goa. "It is always a favorite destination, especially during Christmas and New Year, and (other) events do add on to the number of tourists visiting," says Vishal Sinha, chief operating officer at leisure travel firm TUI. The company has seen a 30% increase in traffic to Goa.