Stakeholders lament repeat visitors are diverting to new, affordable foreign destinations; emphasise need for reforms
PANAJI
The usual bustling festive season, a time when Goa usually teems with overflowing crowds across the length and breadth of Goa, appears quieter this year. Tourism stakeholders have voiced concerns over lower-than-expected occupancy rates and reduced crowds.
This has also prompted some on social media to point out how Goa is losing its charm among tourists.
Travel and Tourism Association of Goa Jack Sukhija acknowledged that the current peak season has not matched the success of previous years. “There’s an average occupancy rate of 70-75 per cent, although some hotels are full. The years 2022 and 2023 were exceptional. While there are tourists and hotel bookings, the overall crowd this year has disappointed our expectations,” he stated.
Sukhija also emphasised the losing trend of last-minute bookings, which had been a hallmark of the festive rush. “From December 18 onwards, the business for tourism stakeholders hasn’t been great. On other days, there used to be a trickle of bookings but not anymore. Even hotels that usually hold slots for last-minute bookings at hiked rates are seeing minimal takers this year,” he lamented.
On the other hand, five-star hotels report 80-85 per cent bookings while three-star establishments are struggling at 60-65 per cent occupancy.
President of the Goa Hotel & Restaurant Association Gaurish Dhond echoed the visible decline in crowds compared to previous years. “The five-star hotels are doing well because of their chain networks and robust online booking systems. However, even these are now tempered by the fact that flight rates are relatively affordable except on certain busy routes,” he said.
The industry’s voice further slammed that Goa’s 40 per cent repeat visitors are now diverting to new affordable foreign destinations.
“There are new destinations that people are exploring and more Indians are traveling abroad instead of opting for expensive domestic destinations like Goa. Around 40 per cent of our tourists are repeat visitors, but this time, they are choosing to explore other locations,” he added.
On social media, users have launched a debate with posts showing less crowded beaches and a quieter vibe on the otherwise busy streets of the coastal belt.
“Goa is almost empty. Hardly any tourists. It should be a wakeup call for the government. Hope they do something especially about the transport,” filmmaker and social activist Deepika Bhardwaj said in her post on X.
“In the week which is the peak for Goa tourism from December 25-30…the kind of crowd I have seen before was completely missing. Every local confirmed it. Taxi, transport and hotel unreal prices killing the whole Goa experience for many,” another X user ‘AstroCounselKK’ posted.
While some have seen this as an opportunity to enjoy Goa in a more serene setting with one Jonathan Rego hoping it revives Goa into a better travel destination. “…the crowd that comes during the peak season are the most ill-behaved. This way, Goa will hopefully become a travel destination for a better-behaved crowd that will treat the State/ city with more respect,” he said.
State received record number of tourists, says Sawant
PANAJI: Amid complaints of low footfalls, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant claimed that the State received a “record number” of footfalls. “The backbone of Goa’s economy, the tourism sector, has also played a significant role in driving this growth with a record number of tourist arrivals,” he said.
Similarly, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, speaking to PTI, stated that the season has been exceptional with four-star and five-star hotels stretching almost to full occupancy. “It shows Goa as a premier choice for high-spending travellers and charters from the existing and emerging markets,” he said.
