the goan I network
VASCO
The Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) has now claimed that rising number of rape cases in the country and subsequent travel advisories by foreign countries have also contributed to the declining number of foreign tourists visiting the State in the current tourism season.
TTAG President Savio Messias had earlier said the closure of UK-based Thomas Cook and its charter flights had been a major factor in the drop of foreign tourists in Goa.
He had also said that while foreign arrivals were down by about 20 per cent, the number of domestic tourists visiting Goa had been largely unaffected.
“The drop in the arrival of foreign tourists is clearly visible, but we fear a larger drop because of the rising number of rapes in the country. Goa is much safer but when a foreigner reads about India, it includes Goa. Though we have not had many rape cases, there is always a fear factor. Also, when a country issues an advisory, it is read by all its citizens,” said Messias.
“Advisories deter couples and single visitors from coming to Goa. Though we cannot do much, we only hope the government handles the matter seriously. Serious action has to be taken against people involved in crimes like rape,” said Messias.
He said the rape cases have been scary and countries like the US and UK had already issued travel advisories on visits to India.
“Unless something is done urgently, the industry is afraid there will be a further drop,” added Messias.
