It was an inauguration that would have serious ramifications for
the region. The inauguration of flights from MOPA is expected to benefit the
border areas of Maharashtra as well as Goa. With Goa it is a bit more
complicated. The tourism industry is spread all over the state. The north is
where people go to party and the south is a place which encourages quiet
contemplation amidst the beautiful verdant greenery. However the launch of this
airport in a corner of Goa could have an effect on the tourism industry. Yes,
it is too early to come to conclusions but it is possible early trends are
available.
Subash who is in charge of Crystal Goa Turquoise Edition at
Patnem Beach sounded very relaxed. Subash said, “Business has been still very
good. There is nothing to complain about right now, business is still good,
perhaps as time passes by we will be able to gauge the reaction to the new
airport.” Similar sentiments were expressed by Rizwan who was in charge of La
Ben Resort. He said “None of the guests mentioned Mopa and whether it would be
part of their decision making process in the future. Business has been so far,
perhaps sometime in the future, yes there will be an effect.”
However not everyone expressed such sanguine sentiments. Dixon
Vaz who is a restaurateur and hotelier in the south without a doubt the airport
would have an effect. Dixon said, “We don’t see any bookings after February and
we will have a problem. We will learn more as this month progresses. Bookings
and enquiries have slowed down. If the flights are far away then how are
tourists going to come to the south? Yes, flights are still landing at Dabolim.
Once this season slows down in March we will feel the effect. The airlines will
then decide as to their future mode of action. They might combine flights if
the number of passengers reduces. It is obvious the government has not planned.
The taxi problem is still prevalent. Depending on the car and the hotel a
passenger can pay over Rs 5000 from MOPA to Cavellosim. That is way too much.
All this will have a serious effect on the tourism industry in the south.”
The acting Gm of Holiday Inn, Kunde said an effect was already
being felt. He said “Compared to the last session, there has definitely been a
reduction in the numbers. We are trying to accommodate the rates demanded by
our customers because of the additional burden of the taxi fare. Yes, Mopa is a
source of much concern.”
Another Gm who did not want to come on record said his business
had witnessed a ten percent slump due to MOPA and the taxi fares. He said, “The
problems still remain and it is getting worse. Hotels invest tens of crorers
and they just cannot quit and leave. I hope the government comes up with a
solution.”
There are a large number of small and medium hotels in the
state. Seraffin Costa the President of the association said as of today, they
had not been affected but that was a situation which could change in the
future. He said, “Flights are still landing in Dabolim and the charters are
still landing. It looks like by mid Feb everything will be over. No charters,
nothing. Yes, in the not so distant future Mopa will have an effect on the
industry in the south.”
However Nilesh Shah, President of TTAG exuded confidence. Nilesh
said, “Even with the new airport, there has been no reduction in the number of
flights. There has been no negative impact. We feel it will grow. There will be
more connectivity from tier 2 and 3 cities. More airlines have expressed their
interest in using the new facilities. With more flights, fares will be
rationalised. Flight is still coming to Dabolim and many are already preparing
their summer schedule in Dabolim. Flights are coming from Jaipur Pune and plans
are in the offing for flights from Indore and Ranchi. The south will certainly
benefit.”
Perhaps one could end with the views of Tejan Karekar who said
it was difficult to ignore the fact that flights were being diverted. And the
fares of taxis were around Rs 4000. This will result in people preferring to
not stay in the south. He said, “The buses are there but not frequent. One
could take the bus at 9 o clock or pay Rs 4000 for a taxi. In addition, getting
a taxi is also tough. I think what we need is a good traffic network. I am now catering
to people who come in by the rail link.”
The
industry has always faced challenges in the past and found ways to face it and
find a way. One hopes that holds true for this too.
