the goan I network
VASCO
Claiming that the latest move by the union government to suspend all existing visas issued to all foreign nationals and visa-free travel facility granted to OCI card holders till April 15 may by harsh on the tourism industry, the Travel and Tourism association of Goa (TTAG) has, however, admitted it was a necessary step by the government.
“I want to make it clear that Goa is coronavirus free and hence, it is open to tourism, but the decision by the central government will affect tourism in Goa. We have to look at the decision with a broader perspective because if there is an outbreak in Goa, it could be bad for the entire State,” TTAG President Savio Messias told The Goan on Thursday.
“Considering all these factors, I feel the government has taken the right decision by banning foreigners from coming to Goa. I feel we have to be very careful right now, but at the same time we have to ensure that other modes of transportation like railways, roads, buses and other modes are also under vigilance and not only the airport, to ensure that the disease does not come to Goa,” said Messias.
“With the recent ban on Indian visas to foreigners and OCI citizens, there are many Goans who will be affected. Many Goans are based in Europe and Gulf and Qatar and they can’t come to Goa, while people who had come in Goa can’t go back and risk losing their jobs.” “While airlines are now allowing cancellation and postponement of air tickets and are being sympathetic, we would expect other industries and hotels and expect other countries also to be sympathetic and go easy on such people and allow them to report at a later date, because coronavirus is a global issue,” said Messias.
LOSSES TO TOURISM
Speaking on probable losses to Goa’s tourism industry, Messias said domestic tourism could balance the losses.
“I remember when Thomas Cook went bust, we had assessed losses at about Rs 100 crore, but this time it could be more and we cannot calculate as of now because it also depends on domestic tourism which should not be a problem presently.”
“We are urging domestic tourists to come to Goa even though major events like conferences, weddings and events are being cancelled or postponed in hotels because it is not risky to travel to Goa. But one should take a decision that if we are unwell we must get ourselves checked and take precautions, so that the virus does not spread around and this is everyone’s responsibility.”
“Goa usually has a reduction of tourism in March and April and hotels are offering good discounts which can be an advantage for domestic tourism.”
“Cruise tourism is usually a one day affair where passengers come in the morning and leave by evening, plays it is a key aspect of tourism as guests travel around the State, visit markets, shopping complexes and it will affect tourism and stakeholders by and large.”
Messias said there had been many requests to take up the issue of Russian charters with the Government.
“We plan to take it up because of the simple fact that Russia and Goa as of now are not affected by the coronavirus and exchange of tourists between Russia and Goa should not be a problem.”
“But the situation is such that the decision has to be taken by the central government and not the State government. We need to persuade them and we will make the effort,” added Messias.
