10-12 arrivals expected weekly with number to double in Nov; focus on new destinations; stakeholders hope for smoother visa process
PANAJI
Goa will witness the arrival of at least 10-12 charter flights weekly, a number that is set to double in November. As tourist season begins on October 2, this could be a much-needed resurgence for stakeholders with hopes pinned on increased international arrivals.
While Russia and the UK will continue to lead in sending the highest number of tourists, a new spotlight is on Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Poland. Charter operators for these countries are expected to increase their flight frequency, with at least two flights per week scheduled to land in Goa from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
After a long hiatus owing to COVID-19 pandemic, Poland’s charters are also set to make a comeback.
“It’s shaping up to be a strong season,” Chief Operating Officer at Sita Travels Ernest Dias said. “Charters from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Poland will operate just like scheduled flights. It will add to the steady stream of tourists from other nations that frequent Goa,” he added.
Vice President (Operations) at Minar Group Abida Kumar echoed Dias’ optimism, adding that easing visa procedures could ensure a smooth and successful season for all stakeholders. “The visa process, if streamlined, could make the season truly seamless,” she expressed.
The season’s start would be six flights per week from Moscow. Kazakhstan’s charters will begin on October 26, Uzbekistan on October 27 and British charters from November 3.
The Russian influx will surge starting November 27, with Azur Air scheduled to fly at least 12 times per week until the end of April. Each of these flights has a capacity of around 235 passengers per flight. “Azur Air will bring in visitors from across Russia and nearby regions,” Kumar added. Senior Vice President at Concord Exotic Voyages Sheik Ismail revealed that his agency is ready to bring in tourists from Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The first flight arrives on October 2. “We are looking at 8-9 charters weekly with Russian charters alone accounting for six of those,” he said.
Assistant Vice President of Le Passage Nahush Bargi shared a similar perspective for UK charters stating TUI will operate four flights per week, each carrying about 300 British passengers. The first arrival is slated for November 3.
The charter operators for Poland confirmed the return of Polish tourists citing their last visit was before the pandemic.
Despite the geopolitical challenges, operators are confident that the ongoing wars will not affect the season. “Everything is normal. In fact, I have interacted with agents in Russia, and they are reporting even more tourists than last year. The only hiccup could be the visa process, but we are hopeful that our government will ease it soon,” said one of the operators.
Caper Travels is gearing up as six flights are scheduled to arrive from Moscow and Yekaterinburg via Aeroflot Airlines, weekly.
Meanwhile, TTAG President Jack Sukhija said, “The early trends seem to be positive with increased demand from Russia and UK as well as a new charter from Poland. We are keeping our fingers crossed that there is a 25 -30 per cent growth in numbers.”
