the goan I network
MARGAO
Even as Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday welcomed tourists into the state to usher in the New Year celebrations, local stakeholders say the decline in the foreign tourists has had a fall out on their business this year.
Though domestic tourists have hit the state ahead of the new year festivities, the stakeholders pointed out that the presence of domestic tourists, especially from the neighbouring states, have not benefitted them in a big way, with these tourists hardly spending during their stay in the state.
A visit to the Colva beach on Sunday revealed that thousands of domestic tourists have made their presence felt ahead of the New year festivities, but local stakeholders, including shack owners, restaurants and taxi operators, pointed out their business has not picked up yet during the peak tourism season. They pointed out that domestic tourists arrive in their state with their vehicles, including buses and four-wheelers and does not spend much money during their stay. Even restaurant owners pointed out that the domestic tourists prefer to buy liquor from wholesale joints instead of patronizing the
restaurants along the beach belt.
Domestic tourists have also descended on the commercial capital in a big way. With some of the hotels tying up with the OYO and other chains in the hospitality sector.
Meanwhile, extending his New Year wishes to the people of Goa and the tourists as well, the Chief Minister has welcomed the tourists into the state, and warned certain elements who are trying to put road blocks in the tourists visiting the state. “Goa is known for its hospitality and the government will not tolerate anyone trying to obstruct tourists from visiting the state’, he warned.
He pointed out that the law enforcing agencies have put a full proof security plan in place, adding that the traffic department has made elaborate traffic arrangements along the beach side for the New Year bash.
