the goan I network
PANAJI
Due to significantly lesser number of foreign tourists this season, shack operators have said that their business has seen a huge decline.
Cruz Cardoso, president, All Goa Shack Owners Welfare Society, said, “The business of shack operators is down by around 60 per cent this season compared to the last. There is more than 50% decline in the number of foreign tourists this year.”
Cardoso continued, “We are unable to achieve our targets. At least in North Goa, you can see Indian tourists. But, in several parts of South Goa like Cavelossim, Varca, Carmona, you don’t see Indian tourists either.”
The number of domestic tourists has seen an increase this year, which to an extent has filled the gap left by fewer foreign tourists. However, as Cardoso explained, Indian tourists prefer mostly North Goa. Due to which, the shack operators in South Goa suffer, as they are hardly getting any business.
John Lobo, general secretary, All Goa Shack Owners Welfare Society, said, “We are not getting any foreign tourists on Baga Beach. There are foreign tourists here, but they are mostly in Candolim or in south Calangute. We are managing with whatever Indian tourists we are getting.”
He continued, “I heard the business of shack operators in South Goa is very slow. We hope that the business picks up in January, as we expect more foreign tourists in that month.”
Few days back, Calangute MLA, Michael Lobo, had said that he would like to have a meeting with Tourism Minister, Manohar Ajgaonkar, and with all the stakeholders, including shack operators, to discuss the problem of declining foreign tourist arrivals.
