the goan I network
CANACONA
Palolem is abuzz with hordes of domestic tourists walking up to a kilometre to reach the beach with traffic police activating seasonal parking to avoid traffic logjams at Palolem beach.
Hundreds of tourists, mostly domestic, in their own vehicles are stopped at the entrance of Palolem village and advised to walk the distance to reach the main beach entrance or walk towards Ourem side to reach the beach. Most vehicles are not allowed beyond the village entrance limits, except for transporting aged people before returning back to park at the village entrance.
The number of domestic tourists has almost jumped to triple since Christmas Eve and continues to increase in view of the upcoming new year celebrations in the state, informed sources.
On saturation of accommodations at Palolem, people have been flocking to neighbouring Agonda. However, the number of domestic tourists have been found to outnumber foreign arrivals.
According to stakeholders, foreign tourists' arrival is not up to the annual mark and people engaged in tourism are now banking on sufficient arrivals immediately post the new year.
"Many tourists citing GST having heavily affected their tour costing said restaurants/shacks have increased their rates. An eatable costing Rs 50 last year is now priced at an exorbitant rate of Rs 250," stated a source quoting a foreign national.
While the small and picturesque Palolem beach remains always abuzz with tourists heckling to find space in the sea, Agonda beach is no different, forcing lifeguards to keep their eyes trained on any errant merry maker from falling prey to accidents.
CANACONA
Palolem is abuzz with hordes of domestic tourists walking up to a kilometre to reach the beach with traffic police activating seasonal parking to avoid traffic logjams at Palolem beach.
Hundreds of tourists, mostly domestic, in their own vehicles are stopped at the entrance of Palolem village and advised to walk the distance to reach the main beach entrance or walk towards Ourem side to reach the beach. Most vehicles are not allowed beyond the village entrance limits, except for transporting aged people before returning back to park at the village entrance.
The number of domestic tourists has almost jumped to triple since Christmas Eve and continues to increase in view of the upcoming new year celebrations in the state, informed sources.
On saturation of accommodations at Palolem, people have been flocking to neighbouring Agonda. However, the number of domestic tourists have been found to outnumber foreign arrivals.
According to stakeholders, foreign tourists' arrival is not up to the annual mark and people engaged in tourism are now banking on sufficient arrivals immediately post the new year.
"Many tourists citing GST having heavily affected their tour costing said restaurants/shacks have increased their rates. An eatable costing Rs 50 last year is now priced at an exorbitant rate of Rs 250," stated a source quoting a foreign national.
While the small and picturesque Palolem beach remains always abuzz with tourists heckling to find space in the sea, Agonda beach is no different, forcing lifeguards to keep their eyes trained on any errant merry maker from falling prey to accidents.
