Domestic tourism surge not benefiting Goa economically

After the landing of the TUI charter from the United Kingdom on November 3, tourism stakeholders are now waiting to welcome the first charter from Poland on November 8, 2024, to lift the spirits of the industry. There is still no sign of reaching dizzying heights of economic benefits.

“I went to North Goa the other day, and despite the place being packed with tourists from India, the restaurants and shacks were empty. It appears this is a crowd content with vada pav and prefers to spend the evenings in nightclubs,” says Orlando Nunes, General Manager of Trail Blazer Tours India.

That the industry is experiencing a lull is evident when Reshma Alves of Earthen Experiences adds, “The tourists we are seeing today are not from the exclusive club. We have people coming by cars and in droves. Their niche is specific to roadside eating.”

Social media is abuzz after the arrival of the first TUI charter with Englishmen sharing experiences, offering advice and even planning meetings in Goa during their holidays on various platforms.

There is still an air of optimism with the number of charters increasing along with Foreign Individual Tourist (FIT) booking from UK, Italy and Scandinavia.

“Hello! I’m curious about using Uber in Goa. Is it reliable? Thanks, and happy ,” reads a post that received 56 comments.

There is still an air of optimism with the number of charters increasing along with Foreign Individual Tourist (FIT) booking from UK, Italy and Scandinavia. “The restart of the charter from Poland is a positive step, and we expect more to follow,” discloses Alves.

HOME FOR THE WINTER: For regular foreign visitors, Goa is a winter home.

Those already in Goa are enjoying themselves. “I spend six months in Goa and return when winter is over in my country. This is my routine for the last ten years, and you could say I am half Goan,” muses Mark from Germany, as he watches the sunset with a friend.

The are full and yet shack owners and restaurants are waiting for customers with most owners conceding that the Indian tourists of today are not cut out for this level of hospitality.

“A lot of the Indian crowd descended for holidays, and this is definitely not what we are looking for. There is no money in this sort of tourism with people opting to eat out in the streets. The situation will buoy after the arrival of foreigners turns into a steady stream,” promises Nunes.

“It is obvious that it is only foreigners who are occupying most tables in shacks, and they have still not arrived in numbers. Indians are still shy of entering our places,” explains Rock, the owner of a shack with foreign guests.

Rock, Shack OwnerI do not know if I am right in saying there is a cultural divide between Indians and foreigners when it comes to frequenting shacks.

“I do not know if I am right in saying there is a cultural divide between Indians and when it comes to frequenting shacks. But we are optimistic the situation will improve as winter hits Europe,” he adds.

“There are 184 tourists in the first batch of the Polish to arrive, and the next batch is scheduled for November 29, wherein 368 are to land,” disclosed Alves.

“Earthen Experiences will be handling the Indian road trip and SITA will manage their beach experiences in Goa. Around half the clients have opted to see the rest of India,” shared Alves.

“Apart from the Polish charters we have clients from the UK, Italy, Scandinavia and other countries from Europe coming in as FITs. I am positive that the season will be good, though not definitive,” assures Alves.

With high-end tourists yet to arrive, luxury resorts have not registered good occupancy, taxis are yet to gain mileage and handicraft sellers are yet to smile. A boost in foreign will be the early Christmas gift Goa’s tourism truly needs.