There is no question that in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, many tourist destinations witnessed a noticeable spike in hotel booking cancellations — and Goa is no exception. Now, in an effort to bring tourists back in large numbers, the Goa government has urged hotels to reassess and reduce their tariffs, particularly to attract middle-income travellers.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, following consultations with industry stakeholders, highlighted that steep hotel rates and soaring airfares are making Goa a less viable option compared to budget-friendly international destinations like Vietnam and Thailand.
To counter this, Khaunte encouraged the hospitality sector to introduce competitive pricing and monsoon-specific packages aimed at boosting occupancy and retaining domestic footfall.
Beyond pricing concerns, the government is also addressing several underlying challenges affecting tourism — such as illegal touting, stray animals, unregistered accommodations, and inconsistent service quality. Budget properties, including Category C and D hotels, have been hit hardest due to growing competition from unlicensed villas and rental homes.
In response, the Tourism Department plans to review all registered properties and may cancel licences of those failing to comply with regulations. Goa is also looking to tap into new markets, especially the Middle East and UAE, and anticipates a rise in Russian tourist arrivals this season.