BELAGAVI
Whether it is to beat the Goan heat or to avail of summer offers and deals, hordes of Goans have taken advantage of the extended weekend to visit the cooler climes of Belagavi between Friday and Sunday.
All the city roads, hotels, market and shopping areas had a strong presence of Goans, who have made Belagavi their weekend destination, a destination to escape from the hot and humid Goan summer. Many Goan vehicles were also seen moving around in Belagavi city.
The arrival of Goan visitors has been welcomed by hoteliers, shopkeepers, restaurant owners and mall managers, who are anticipating increased business.
According to some hoteliers, Goans began arriving in Belagavi from Thursday evening and the flow increased on Friday morning.
With many Goan families and friends on a shopping spree, some hotels have recorded 100 percent occupancy, while others have 75 percent occupancy by Goan visitors.
“We have 100 percent occupancy by Goans and we are overbooked till Sunday,” said Vinod Shanbhag of Hotel Anupam. “Our hotel is regularly occupied by Goan guests, especially during the weekend.”
Hotel Sanman, Eefa, Sankam Residency, Satkar, Pai Resorts, Pai Hotel and other hotels in Belagavi city are also filled with Goan guests.
“Goan guests are delightful, pious, co-operative and jovial,” acknowledged Shripad Pai of Pai Resorts.
After reaching Belagavi and parking their vehicles at convenient locations or checking in at hotels, Goans usually dash off to the markets, malls, restaurants and cinema houses.
