It is April and the temperature is undoubtedly rising. The levels of discomfort are proportionate to one’s economic status. Some cool down with ice-creams, others with a regular intake of soft drinks and then there are those who prefer to avoid it all. They either drive off to a hill station or even fly out of the country to cooler climes.
The trend of flying out of the country to cooler climes has been increasing as the years pass. Yes, there was a slump last year due to the drive to demonetise a large percentage of the currency in the market which played havoc with the finances of everyone. Given the general state of the economy in the State was not something to crow about, did not help matters either. This year, the economy is more than a year away from the effects of demonetisation and according to market reports people are now flying out in greater numbers than last year. It may not be a great year in their estimates but it is good that people are willing to spend money to visit distant shores.
There are certain cities that are a favourite of the average Goan and this year according to a couple of travel agencies and airlines it is Paris and Milan. The Italian fashion capital and the city of romance are favourites of families who then move on to cities in Portugal and Germany. An Oman Air representative revealed that growth had been substantial and there had been growth in revenue. In terms of numbers there was a 10% growth in the number of bookings over last year. The increase in the number of people flying to Paris was fuelled by the facility to apply for a visa now available in Goa. The source said, the summers were always about Europe and Diwali was about destinations like Dubai and even the Far East. OmanAir is now flying to Paris everyday via Muscat on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and a day stop-over for flights on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Graham Valadares of Travel Stop said the season was looking good and bookings had commenced earlier. Prospective clients had called him as early as February and booked their tickets. Mr Valadares said “Last year it was very close after demonetisation and the effects were felt by all of us but this year, yes will be better. We are witnessing a 20% increase over last year and Goans are travelling to Paris, Lisbon and cities in Italy. The London market is a very different market. It is about visiting family and friends. The duration of stay is usually for 8-14 days.” He added that the regular market ie the Middle East was popular as always and it was growing by 15%. Business, he hoped would improve further in the years to come.
Gaurish Dharwadkar of Travel Shop Holidays however felt business had just not grown. Mr Dharwadkar said “It is not looking bad and it is not as bad as last year but there is no growth. It is the same. People are travelling but they are budget conscious. They are travelling to South East Asia, Europe but on a tight budget. Singapore is very popular and so is Malaysia.” This however did not stop the Goan traveller from becoming adventurous. He said he was selling diving packages and many Goans who had the skills were going to Malaysia. Many travellers, he said wanted to connect with the locals.
In terms of tastes there are clear demarcations in destinations. According to Vineet Deshpande of Travel Life a representative of Veena World Agency, the older generation like to visit USA, Europe and the younger tourist books tickets for South East Asia and Far East Asia. Destinations like Macau, Shenzen in China were very popular. The average Goan traveller was shelling out a minimum of Rs 75,000 all inclusive for Thailand or Bali.
Mr Deshpande said “The Goan traveller is quite sophisticated and is willing to experiment with destinations and cuisines which makes it very easy for them to move around. A trade observer said the average Goan customer would be tight fisted when the situation demanded but would be open to new experiences and were willing to pay for it if the price was right”.
A manager in a travel agency in Margao not authorised to speak to the media said, it was not good times yet but, in a year, or two at the most, it would be all good again. Time will tell.
