PANAJI
Amid growing uncertainty over the tourism outlook due to ongoing global crises, Goa’s hospitality sector has voiced fresh concern that the 2026 Assembly elections could coincide with the peak Christmas-New Year tourist season.
The Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) has written to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, urging the State government to avoid holding Assembly elections in December 2026. The industry body warned that polls during the busiest tourism period could disrupt the State’s economic lifeline.
“The grapevine is that the State Assembly elections will be held in December 2026. As you are aware, December represents the zenith of Goa’s tourism calendar. Thousands of domestic and international visitors arrive during this period to celebrate Christmas, New Year, and enjoy our cultural festivities,” TTAG president Jack Sukhija said in the letter.
He noted that the festive season accounts for a substantial share of the State's annual tourism earnings.
“This peak period provides the primary annual revenue for hoteliers, tour operators, shack owners and local vendors. Revenues during this period account for 12 to 20 per cent of annual revenues for the tourism sector,” the letter stated.
The association expressed apprehension that enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct during elections could affect nightlife, hospitality events and entertainment activities that form the backbone of Goa’s festive tourism economy.
Industry stakeholders also warned that disruptions during the peak season could have longer-term consequences for Goa’s image as a global leisure destination, especially at a time when competing coastal destinations in Southeast Asia and the Middle East are aggressively courting international tourists.
TTAG said negative visitor experiences, including restricted mobility, event cancellations and administrative curbs associated with elections, could discourage repeat tourism and dent Goa’s reputation.
“Negative experiences such as restricted mobility and cancelled events will deter repeat visits, hurting Goa’s status as a premier global destination,” the association said.
The tourism body has urged the State government to consider postponing or rescheduling the elections to a period outside the peak tourism months, preferably by the end of February 2027.
