Tourism first casualty of the virus in Goa

VIBHA VERMA

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PANJIM: The biggest blow to Goa’s tourism industry since the global economic meltdown of 2008-09 could come from COVID-19.

The industry, already reeling under a crisis due to various reasons, fears a massive downfall in tourist arrivals as a result of a slew of advisories and travel curbs by the Central government. 

In a major setback, charter flights from Russia and Britain, which bring in the most visitors to the State, have been cancelled. More than 50 flights from Russia, UK, Iran and Poland have withdrawn their trip to Goa. This includes 15 flights from Russia and four from UK, carrying several thousand tourists from their respective nations per week. 

Melroy D’Costa of Jet Concept that handled Royal Flights, regrets that the tourist season for Russian airlines has come to an abrupt end. “Tomorrow (Friday) is the last flight of the season. We have lost 25 flights, each of which was supposed to carry around 235 passengers till April-end. These flights are cancelled,” he told Herald.

“Several others airlines have also cut their flights to Goa because of the fear of the deadly virus and also visa restrictions imposed by the Government of India,” another airline operator, handling British flights, said. 

The stakeholders are, however, concerned about the outbreak as it supports government’s decisions for citizens’ safety. 

“This is perhaps the most expensive hit in the last 12 years. Flights are cancelled for obvious reason, as a result of which hotel bookings too are hit hard. It’s a major loss, which is hard to recover from. But we support the government as safety of people is of utmost important,” a reputed travel agency, handling passengers from European countries, Russia and the American continent told Herald. 

Goa Airport Director Gagan Malik, on being asked about the impact of advisories by the Centre, said that the “picture would be clear only after (March) 14”. As on Thursday, he said, one flight – Air India AI 976 Chennai-Goa-Kuwait – was cancelled. 

The Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) has projected a huge loss to the stakeholders in the wake of the epidemic affecting more than 100 countries. Outgoing TTAG president Savio Messias said that while Goa tourism will take a hit, the restrictions by the government to curb the spread of virus, are important. 

“Goa is one of the few tourism States in the country which is Coronavirus free till date. However, we need to be more careful and take precautions. The decision by the Central government seems a bit strong as it is going to affect tourism to a big extent. But, in the larger interests of the country and the people, we have to extend our support to the moves taken by the government,” he told Herald. 

He suggested that the government consider allowing Russian charter flights, as both Russia and Goa are so far virus-free. “I know it is for the Central government to decide, and tourism industry has to be lobby hard to convince them on this aspect,” Messias added. 

The hotel industry, too is foreseeing a huge loss even as the total estimate would be calculated at a later stage. “It is premature to speak about the total loss in revenue, but we are sure to be affected in a big way. Cancellation of hotel bookings is everyday and we are paying refund wherever necessary. Many hotels have almost full accommodation available for the next one and half month,” another TTAG member said.  

In 2008-09, Goa had suffered a massive downfall in tourism owing to the global recession. Goa’s industry stakeholders enjoyed a considerable stretch of growing demand until issues like floods, poor infrastructure and competition with high quality plus affordable destinations came as a hindrance.

Due to the restrictions, in all likelihood, participation of Goa in all international and domestic travel marts will be kept on hold till further orders.