PANAJI
Goa is gearing up for an influx of tourists over the Independence Day weekend. However, industry leaders caution that this year’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations may see lower footfall, as attractive overseas travel packages and ongoing taxi service concerns could divert visitors elsewhere.
“We are positive about Independence Day but not Ganesh Chaturthi, because it’s a festival that almost every household celebrates and there are no chances they will move out,” President of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa Jack Sukhija said.
The hospitality sector is also anticipating a sharp increase in occupancy from mid-August, although expectations for the latter half of the month are not particularly impressive.
“We expect occupancy to rise to 60–70 per cent from the current 50 per cent. But business remains sluggish due to the same old problems -- rival destinations, including overseas, are offering better deals. Moreover, Goa is not only expensive but also continues to face the taxi operators’ issue, which has scared away tourists,” Gaurish Dhond, President of the Hotel and Restaurant Association, said.
He went on to add that because of a “few rogue taxi operators” charging exorbitant rates and resorting to dadagiri, the entire industry’s reputation is at stake. “The government must enact stringent laws and ensure that such offenders are jailed for a long time. The message must be loud and clear,” he added.
Flight data shows the price pressure on domestic tourists, as from Delhi to Goa, fares climb to Rs 13,514 on August 14, compared with a low of Rs 4,099 later in the month. From Hyderabad, tickets reach Rs 7,325 on August 15 before dropping to Rs 2,978 on August 24. From Bengaluru, the August 14 peak is Rs 11,883, while the cheapest fare is Rs 2,250 on August 18. Kolkata travellers face fares of Rs 13,541 on August 14, with prices falling to Rs 5,959 on August 29.
According to travel planners, a growing number are choosing budget-friendly international breaks in Southeast Asia during the holiday period.
“Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Colombo are competitive options for five-day trips from Goa, with all-inclusive mid-range packages often matching or undercutting the cost of a domestic holiday. We have several other budget-friendly countries where bookings are on the rise,” Vinayak Arlekar, a travel agent, said, quoting his connections in other states.
For Kuala Lumpur, tickets can be booked for about Rs 19,500 while a three-star hotel averages Rs 2,628 per night and daily expenses of around Rs 3,500, bringing the total to roughly Rs 50,500 per person.
Flight rates for Bangkok are around Rs 20,000 and even as low as Rs 11,000 approx. The hotels are priced at Rs 3,154 per night, and around Rs 8,000 and above for an upscale stay while similar daily spending. This too costs a total of about Rs 52,000 or above.
Colombo packages begin with flights near Rs 18,000, hotels Rs 4,818 per night and above for upscale stay, and daily costs of Rs 2,600 – total at Rs 53,000 approx.
This has left some in the local industry concerned that the footfall could be followed by a quieter-than-usual end to the month. “People are seeing the value abroad. If the cost of flying to Goa is the same as flying to Malaysia or Sri Lanka, why will people come to Goa?” Dhond questioned.
The starred hotels, he added, have already been forced to slash tariffs to slow bookings. Panaji, which is normally busy, has several hotels with low occupancy, except for those tied to casinos, whose guests are regular.
