Goa faces backlash over soaring prices ahead of tourist season

PANAJI

As the peak tourist season approaches, Goa is once again drawing complaints over its exorbitant hotel tariffs, overpriced beachside restaurants, and taxi operators accused of overcharging as well as creating fear among tourists. The mood among travellers is one of frustration, which has re-emerged after the recent posts by tourists on the taxi mafia.

Being dubbed Goa’s “pricing crisis,” a growing number of domestic tourists are questioning whether the State’s famed allure still justifies the cost or whether destinations in Southeast Asia offer better value, cleaner beaches and a more organised experience.

Finance professional and investor Suraj Kumar Talreja sparked the latest debate on X with a viral post that read, “Just look at the prices in Goa during November and December, you’ll be shocked.” He noted that premium resorts are charging around Rs 60,000 per night and some Rs 25,000 while even 3–4 star hotels are crossing Rs 10,000. He added that a visitor will also end up paying a premium for taxis since there’s no Uber or Ola.

The post resonated instantly, drawing hundreds of reactions and reviving the conversation about Goa’s declining affordability. Many users compared prices and experiences with destinations abroad, noting that Indian tourists find Southeast Asia cheaper, cleaner and better organised.

In Thailand, luxury stays range from Rs 5,200 to Rs 11,500 per night, while Vietnam’s premium hotels start well below Rs 10,000. Efficient transport networks, lower alcohol prices, and overall hospitality standards make these destinations more appealing.

“After travelling to Vietnam or Thailand, you realise Goa is a scam... You’ll get twice the quality for the same price in Southeast Asian countries,” wrote Moin, another verified user.

“Is se achha to Thailand ya Vietnam chale jana chahiye. At least infra is 100 times better than here,” Another user, Yogesh Goel, remarked.

Comparing prices, a user identified as ‘Quotes of Wolf,’ wrote, “Bangkok, a five-star hotel in a premium area costs Rs 5,800 per night.”

Abhishek K V, an equity researcher, added “Us se acha Europe jana hai. (It’s better to travel to Europe).”

Verified user, Manisha Singhal, claimed she paid more than the price listed by Talreja, even though it wasn’t the peak tourist season. “I don’t do Goa anymore – not worth the charges – both of stay and transport and actually not worth the experience – if you are not into partying and getting wasted,” she posted.  

Some, however, defended Goa’s distinct identity. “Goa is Goa. Nowhere comes close to its vibe,” wrote one user, while another ‘Funky guy’ reminded that destinations like Chikmagalur and Puducherry are now equally expensive. “Kerala does not give good vide...” he added, while Sreenivas added, “Puducherry is equally expensive,”

Still, the dominant mood was frustration as another traveller, Manohar Kanapaka, alleged that for four years straight between 2014-17, he explored every part of Goa, but the experience kept declining every year.

While Goa’s issues have kept the social media debate alive, outbound travel to Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Bali has benefited. As per the latest figures, travel to these nations has grown by over 30 per cent year-on-year, with Indian tourists citing better value and organised tourism infrastructure as decisive factors.