KARAN SEHGAL
PANAJI
The tourism industry is facing yet another challenge this season, as most Russian tourists who are already in Goa are budget tourists. They are extremely concerned about the prices. On the other hand, high-income Russian tourists are going to other destinations like Malaysia and Turkey.
Tourism stakeholders said that most Russian tourists are staying at really affordable hotels. Per se, there is nothing wrong in it, but the only thing is economy doesn’t gain much if price-conscious tourists outnumber the premium tourists.
Savio Messias, president, Travel & Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) said, “Most Russian tourists are staying at smaller hotels, which charge around Rs 1,000 per night. I know hoteliers, who are giving discounts on tariffs so that it fits within the budget of the tourists.”
Messias lamented the lack of good infrastructure and facilities in the State, which would have attracted high-income Russian tourists.
Amar Dhumatkar, president, Goa charters at Caper Travel, said, “We have observed that the number of Russian tourists is not growing this season. Moreover, those coming are from the budget category.”
“We recently got a flight from Russia to Goa, which had around 90 vacant seats. This has happened for the first time,” Dhumatkar added.
So, there are two challenges. One, price-conscious budget tourists from Russia are much higher in number than high-income tourists. And two, the overall number of Russian tourists doesn’t seem to be increasing this season.
Polly D’Cruz, general manager, The Golden Crown Hotel & Spa in Colva, said, “To bring Russian tourists to our property to stay, the tour operators ask us to give discounts. What we are getting in Goa are budget Russian tourists.”
“We give them discounts like: With two adults, stay of a child free. Or, seventh night complementary after 6 night stay,” he added.
