FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024
The tourists who used to come regularly to Goa are also of the opinion that they would like to come over but there are several issues before them. Some are either strapped for cash or worried about their safety or greatly concerned about the connectivity, which includes travel logistics and telecom connectivity.
Mina Zoliani, Deputy Director in Information & PR Dept of the Mizoram govt, who loves to visit the State, while congratulating Goa for opening its doors to tourists; was candid by saying that given the opportunity, she would definitely visit Goa even now, as she has very fond memories of holidays in Goa calling it the perfect combination of sun, sea and food.
“However, let me also add here that in order to pick up the pace of attracting tourists to start coming to Goa once again, perhaps they could come up with tour packages on concession rates, cut down hotel prices and such. I know the tourism industry in Goa must have been badly hit and hence, obviously the economy too, but something is better than nothing. I would love to visit Goa right now, to enjoy the quietness, the tranquil beauty of the land and the hospitality of the people, all which often get drowned with the teeming crowds of tourists earlier. So, I think Goa could be enjoyed in a more leisurely and even spiritual manner now with less crowd and noise and in fact, that for me is the USP in this post-pandemic time now and ahead,” she added.
Ratan Mani Lal, a journalist and writer from Lucknow, said Goa is his favourite travel destination. “This year, too, I intended to visit Goa in October and in fact this time I wanted to stay there for a few months. Ever since the restrictions were imposed in March because of the COVID-19 crisis, all travel ideas had been put on hold but the announcement about Goa to be opened up for tourists on July 2, I have been excited about the possibility” Lal added.
He further added that there are several factors, because of which, a visit to Goa this year appears difficult, as of now. “Firstly, there is still uncertainty about domestic flights and long-distance trains running normally. From what I have learnt from friends having travelled by air after domestic flights have been allowed recently, the entire experience is not a pleasant one anymore. Secondly, despite the claims of proper sanitising, doubts would always remain over possibilities of infection. These fears would also be there in the place of stay, local transport, local food and local markets,” he said.
“I would not know which areas in Goa, are safe as the infection hotspots keep changing frequently. I certainly look forward to visiting Goa and I am really happy that the State is among the first ones in India to open up for tourists, but I don’t think I will take the risk of travelling so soon especially when many states are witnessing a surge in infections,” Lal added.
Kapil Jain, CEO of Graphitto Labs in Mumbai is cautious. “I may be comfortable with essential travel for business or see a sick family member, but carefree holidays may be harder to get away with marketing in a time of mass panic, even if a place like Goa isn’t very risky to take. Everything is postponed till 2021,” he added.
Prasun Peter, PR professional from Delhi believes that a visit to Goa is a great attraction at any time of the year. “I am glad that the State is allowing domestic tourists. However, personally, taking a flight, train and using public transport is a strict no-no till the COVID-19 scare is alive. If I decide to travel at all, I will use only my personal vehicle. And travelling all the way to Goa by road from Delhi will involve travelling through States where the COVID situation is bad. So, it will have to wait,” said Peter added.
Praphull Chandra a marketing executive from Mumbai said, “Despite visiting Goa being so easy and convenient from Mumbai, I do not think I will go there this year because for me keeping myself safe from any possible infection is more important. In fact, I do not plan to visit any place in the coming months.”
Arun Asthana, media professional and CEO of Aspiring Mediaworks, New Delhi-NCR added, “I love Goa. In the last ten years I have visited more than 10 times. This January too during a trip to Dubai, my family and I decided to go to Goa in April, as that is sort of when the off-season begins there, but the kids also get vacations only in the off-peak. Corona jeopardised all our plans. Forget going to Goa we have not even come out of our housing society since mid March. However, I looking forward to get things settle down- a win over COVID-19. Then we will certainly go to Goa and I think that will not happen before next April. So till then we can only think of going to grocery and not Goa.”
