BELAGAVI
The ongoing Winter Session of the Karnataka State Legislature in Belagavi will be a blessing in disguise for Goa tourism, more so during this weekend, as scores of Kannadigas have planned a merrier weekend on the golden beaches of Goa.
After spending the week in the panoramic Suvarna Vidhan Sabha building amid crisp and cool Belagavi weather, many of these guests from Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka are looking forward to a weekend in Goa.
If one goes by the buzz in the campus of the sprawling Suvarna Vidhan Soudha on Friday, the word “Hogona Goa” meaning, “let’s go to Goa” was being murmured by many of these guests visiting Belagavi for the Winter Session.
Saturday and Sunday being the weekend off for the Session the officers, politicians and many others including the journos have planned a soothing weekend.
While many surfed on the google for the best hotels and tourism destinations, many others have booked the hotel rooms in advance for their accommodation from Friday night. Many others were inquiring for the best food joints and restaurants. It was also found that many of those who have already visited Goa have preferred to visit beaches in South Goa.
“I have never visited Goa earlier, I am told it is just about 3 hours from Belagavi, hence this is the best opportunity for me to be in Goa, the dream tourist destination, which is the best route,” supporter of political party asked.
Many of the visitors to Belagavi have not visited Goa hence would not like to lose this opportunity to visit the tourist destination of their dreams.
Goans look for rooms in Belagavi
On the other hand, Goans visiting Belagavi were seen wandering around the city asking for rooms to stay. To their disappointment no room available was the answer from each and every hotelier.
Due to this, some found accommodation in some mediocre lodges while others preferred to return to Goa. This has also affected the business in Belagavi. “We hardly have any customers from Goa these days. This is time for shopping for Christmas, but due to the session and ongoing protests, etc. our business is adversely affected,” the owner of a famous garment showroom told The Goan.
“It is painful for us to say no to our regular Goan guests as they are important for hotel business. We have demanded that authorities should make separate arrangements for the accommodation during the Winter Session,” a noted hotelier lamented.
While Goa will be welcoming guests from Karnataka, Belagavi has no rooms for Goans visiting the city.
