PANAJI
Amidst ongoing debate regarding what Goa provides to its visitors, given its annual influx that surpasses Goa’s total population, the coastal State continues to find itself grappling with competition from other destinations pan-India and globally.
While it is also true that Goa has still been attracting tourists, albeit a major chunk of them are budget travellers and a nuisance; rival holiday hubs are raising the bar for the State. Better infrastructure, strict behavioural norms, and cost-friendly transportation, food and accommodation have given Goa the most challenging time to survive in this industry.
Not limited to domestic destinations -- some of which despite being relatively expensive are offering high-quality tourism, international counterparts with visa-free entry have further increased competition for Goa's tourism.
Destinations like Nepal, UAE, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Maldives have been all-time favourites due to their visa-friendly policies and affordable stay packages. This has now expanded to other nations like Kenya, Fiji, Seychelles, Iran, Cook Islands, Sri Lanka, and others, which are offering visa waivers to Indian passport holders.
“Not just Indian tourists but foreign visitors, who otherwise preferred Goa are going to affordable and visa-free countries,” a tour operator said.
Vietnam, for instance, stands out as a top cost-friendly destination, offering not only rich terraces in the northern highlands, water stays and other attractions, but also captivating cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, etc.
Tour packages ranging from a minimum of three days to a maximum of nine days reportedly cost a few thousand to less than Rs 1.50 lakh, making Vietnam an attractive option for budget-conscious travellers. The country recorded footfalls from several nations including India this December vacation.
Budget-friendly Nepal has also been appealing to holidayers through its mountain landscapes, deep cultural heritage, treks, lush forests, and spiritual tours. Agencies offering affordable packages for trips combining Nepal with Bhutan, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and other regions have made many travellers explore beyond beach destinations like Goa.
“Governments in these countries are serious about what they are offering to their people and visitors. These places are maintained well, and tourists are cautioned not to litter or create any sort of nuisance,” the tour operator added.
Likewise, other economical international destinations such as Indonesia, Sri Lanka, etc witnessed a surge in last-minute bookings during the Christmas and New Year period. Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are among the new additions to the travel list, and in turn a competition for Goa.
The Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) Nilesh Shah admitted that “International destinations have become more competitive.”
“Goa is not a value-for-money destination. These international destinations provide visa-free or visa-on-arrival or instant visa facilities while to get an Indian visa it takes 15 days to a month. Moreover, the travel fare to Goa and other parts of India is high compared to the other countries. International tourists are getting good deals with more activities, clean tourism in other parts of the world at a much lesser or similar price to what Goa is offering,” he added.
Chief Operating Officer at Sita Travels Ernest Dias echoed similar views. “Countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Egypt, Dubai, and others are offering much better and more to tourists…” he said. Dias also added that escalating airfares, hotel rates, and food are also keeping tourists away, although, Goa did get domestic tourists in large numbers including those in the five-star category.
