Currently, Goa is grappling with a decline in footfalls of high-end tourists who came during the fag end of 2023. All happening in the midst of its peak season points to what lies in store ahead. Tourism inflation is high and picking momentum by leaps and bounds, putting a direct dent into the pockets of potential high spenders. Tourists look at their money’s worth in their acumen skills to bargain and get the maximum benefits in striking deals. They see that their hard currencies like Dollar, Pound, etc., lose shine when they used to fetch substantial values in the past; currently, they no longer give their money’s worth with inflation touching 7.3%. Moreover, from our side, offering power is diminishing. Look at the upkeep of beaches, infrastructure, pollution of air, sea, food, water, music, noise, etc., causing satisfaction constraints and a reciprocal drop in foreign arrivals.
High-end tourists, discerning in their choices, might be exploring alternative destinations due to disparities in billing and the unsatisfactory tourist experience. Recommendations include catering to their preferences, reducing noise levels, and easing budgetary concerns through visa-free entries. Calls for lowering tariffs, taxes, and standardizing codes to enhance affordability are emphasized. Goa faces a tourism stagnation, with a paradigm shift needed to attract high-end visitors. The government’s proactive involvement is urged, addressing safety concerns and enforcing strict regulations to maintain tourism quality. Suggestions include promoting diverse tourism activities and revising protocols to boost overall arrivals. Failure to implement these measures risks Goa’s shift towards low-end tourism, jeopardizing its global tourism status.
Ashley Noronha, Fatorda
