KARSTEN MIRANDA
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MARGAO: Amidst the surge of tourists, both foreign and domestic, rushing to the beaches of the North Goa coastal belt to attend Sunburn in Vagator or check out the trending cafes in Assagao, there’s also a beeline of tourists making their way to their favourite South Goa beaches.
“It’s a different vibe and perfect for our tribe. We come for peace and quiet and to be one with nature. We love visiting South Goa where we can be a bit away from the hustle and bustle of our routine lives. It’s not like there aren’t parties on this side but it’s just less hectic and more laidback,” said Robert Williams, a retired banker from England.
“I have fallen in love with Agonda and the neighbouring beaches. Be it enjoying sunrise or going kayaking, we get to catch our breath and really enjoy ourselves. There are similar experiences maybe in Morjim side but we have come here before and know the people here and they have been very kind and welcoming to us,” added Sitara Pagar, who works in the advertising industry out of Mumbai.
According to the local stakeholders from South Goa, the charm of South Goa beaches and hospitality attracts the tourists.
“We are happy as business is returning. We had some tough years during Covid and low-footfalls but this period of the season has improved and there are a lot of visitors. It will definitely go up on New Year’s Eve and the first part of January. Goans who live abroad are also down in big numbers,” said Samson Rodrigues, who works at a shack in Utorda.
Serafin Cota, the President of Small and Medium (S&M) Hoteliers Association of Goa concurred with the perception that South Goa has its own distinct identity and said that is the reason why Charters usually opt for beaches this side of Goa as they enjoy the culture of the beaches and serenity one experience.
The Carmona-based hotelier however expressed concerns about the future given that Mopa airport has started operations and the Charters may shift to the North and that Indian tourists would also prefer to ‘party that side’.
Cavelossim Sarpanch and Vice President of S&M Hoteliers Association, Dixon Vaz felt that the implementation of the sound ban at 10 pm has killed the buzz and tourists may prefer visiting other States in the future as they enjoy live music and entertainment.
He hoped there are relaxations for the season ahead so as to hold on to the tourists who keep visiting South Goa.
Besides the beaches, many tourists also make it a point to visit the spice plantations in Ponda or attend curated heritage tours that showcase Goa’s cuisine, architecture and traditional forms of music.
