the goan I network
PANAJI
In what will come as a huge boost to tourism trade in the State, tour operators have said that they expect significantly higher number of charter flights from UK and CIS countries, which include Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Bulgaria.
More charter flights mean higher number of foreign tourists are expected in the upcoming season, which will start in October, this year. In fact, sources also revealed that a lot more free individual travellers (FITs) from foreign countries will visit Goa this season than the previous season.
Ernest Dias, chief operating officer, Sita Travels and TCI said, "The number of charter flights from UK will be higher this season compared to previous year. Thomas Cook will send 7 flights per week from UK this season compared to 5-6 per week last season. Thomson too will increase frequency to 5 flights per week this year."
Traditionally, British people have preferred Goa as a destination. The fact that more charter flights from UK are expected this season should come as music to the ears of everyone
in tourism industry.
Dias further informed, "We are looking at good movement of FITs from Germany this year as well."
Just when strong movement of tourists is expected from UK and Germany this time, it is also expected that CIS countries like Russia, Bulgaria, Ukraine and Kazakhstan too will send more charter flights this season.
Sheikh Ismail, general manager, Concord Travels & Tours, said, "Russian currency, Ruble, has stabilised vis-à-vis US Dollar. One USD now fetches 59.55 Rubles, which was 85 Rubles at one point in time. Due to this, purchasing capacity of Russian tourists has gone up and they will travel more."
Ismail further informed that he is expecting 20-22% growth in number of charter flights arriving at Goa from CIS countries in the coming season.
Sources also revealed that Russian summer wasn't good this time, which, in turn, will send more tourists to the sunny beaches of Goa in the coming months.
Dias said, "We expect two charter flights per week from Helsinki this season. Last time, it was only one flight per week. The first flight from Helsinki will arrive in Goa in the first week of November."
