MARGAO
It’s time for Diwali festivities, but members of the Small & Medium Hotels Association of Goa have expressed their disappointment with the current tourism season, pointing out that most hotels have found bookings very low so far. The members pointed out that though it’s the festive time, most of the inventory is very low.
The executive members of the Small and Medium Hotels Association met on Monday and discussed a host of issues related to the hotel industry. Association president Santosh Divkar said they will take up the matter with the government and prepare a white paper on how to boost tourism in Goa, especially in South Goa. He said the draft will be prepared and handed over to Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, which will highlight the need to give a boost to tourism.
Member Tudor Dias expressed concern over the prevailing situation. He said members have been left to wonder how to keep the business running due to low demand, fearing, “If this continues, then it will be very difficult even to pay salaries to the employees.”
Association vice-president Dixon Vaz said that the Mopa airport has affected the tourism industry in South Goa, and the last four months have been very bad. “Music restrictions, high fees for events, etc., have affected the business across Goa, as a result, tourists look for other options,” Dixon added.
