MAPUSA
The decision to reinstate the electronic visa (e-visa) for UK travellers planning to visit India has brought in a feel-good factor among the tourism stakeholders in the State but the big question is whether it will translate into numbers and European tourists who like to plan their holidays well in advance will make the dash to Goa this season.
The Centre has earned plaudits for finally breaking the ice and allowing the e-visa facility for the UK travellers which will help boost the tourism prospect in the State, which was already seeing an upswing compared to the last two years.
According to Chief Operating Officer of Sita Travels and TCI, Earnest Dias, there is no hope of the number increasing at least this month.
“The sad part is that we have wasted two good months of November and December. The English tourists, even those who plan to come in January, February and March might have chosen some other destination because the English like to plan their holidays in advance. Nevertheless, it’s better late than never,” Dias said.
He, however, said there was a good chance that the numbers may go up from January onwards.
The Indian High Commission in London while announcing the reinstating of the e-visa facility for UK travellers said that the travellers could start applying for e-visas to India from this week onwards, bringing cheer among the tourism stakeholders in Goa who were hoping for the restoration of the facility.
Exuding confidence that the move will have a big impact on overall tourism business in the State, President of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) Nilesh Shah said it will help smaller hotels which depend on charter tourism.
“With this e-visa coming in, we expect the loads to improve as additional flights from the UK are expected to come up from January or February onwards. It will help to add up the numbers from foreign tourists, especially coming from the UK,” Shah said.
He said everyone will benefit as it will help in improvement of the circular economy right from musicians to smallest of the vendors, because overall number of foreign tourists coming to Goa will improve.
The TTAG chief, however, admitted that the impact of the decision will be visible from the end of January or first week of February.
“But our season extends right up to March. So even if we get two months it will be good. Overall, it is a good start,” he said.
For President of Small and Medium Hotels Association Serafino Cotta, the decision has come a trifle late in the season.
“We missed the bus for this season. Europeans plan their holiday at least eight months in advance. People have booked other Asian countries like Thailand, Taiwan, Sri Lanka etc. It’s all over. But there is very good hope this will remain. We can hope next year will be very good,” Cotta said.
