Well it looks like the good days will be back. The expert panel
that advised the government on ways to tackle the COVID crisis has now
suggested that it was time to remove all the curbs. This means parties will be
allowed to happen and yes importantly it will be allowed to go on late into the
night. The young people of Goa can now go out and party. Domestic tourists will
have an opportunity to enjoy the hospitality of a state that has made it very
popular around the country. Or will it?
The fact that the strictures that were in
place for two years will no longer apply is a source of great joy for people in
the hospitality industry as well as those who like to party over the weekend.
For members of the hospitality and tourism industry it was news that could not
have come faster.
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Rahul Khanna, a restaurateur based in
Panjim said he welcomed a lift of all restrictions and at the same time
requested all concerned to remain vigilant and responsible. Greg Furtado
another restaurateur based in Candolim said “We feel that after several years
of restrictions and lockdowns that we need to treat this more as an epidemic
rather than a Pandemic and let our economy revive again”.
Ryan Rodrigues, who calls himself a
hospitality entrepreneur, said it was a very good move. He said people could
start living their lives like how it was before the virus struck. He said
“People would certainly like to step out at night and perhaps have dinner with
the family or the younger members would like to go out and party. It will mean
an increase in business for everyone which will then mean taxes for the
government which can be built on creating new infrastructure. More specifically
I would like to see more health infrastructure to ensure we don’t go around
running helter skelter looking for a bed”. He also felt it would bring back
that vibe everyone who had visited Goa or were living in Goa would be
accustomed to.
Anand Chatterjee, GM of a five star property in Utorda in a
statement said “At this moment, most of the establishments are functioning
without any specific restrictions. Occupancy curbs if any at movie halls etc
may be lifted. However, there shouldn’t be any specific statement on “no
masking mandate etc”; it should be allowed to wane as citizens get more
and more confident of no more pandemic. There are reports that there may be
another wave in the June/July/August period. Hope it’s not true, however, the
Government shouldn’t advocate letting the guards down”.
A one time passionate partygoer Conal Lobo felt it was ok to
ease the restrictions but it would be better to exercise some caution. He said
“Yes, I would like to go out on weekends to meet with friends but we intend to
still be cautious. At the end of the day, it is still on the individual to
exercise caution”.
Savio Messias, a hotelier and former President of TTAG said it
was a great move and it was a case of better late than never. He said “We had
very good business in the last couple of days and this decision will ensure
business will continue to be good. We have to thank the domestic tourists for
that.”
Nilesh Shah the President of TTAG welcomed the move. He said
“After twenty four months this decision is certainly welcome. I also feel all
the bubble flights should now end and we should allow scheduled flights to
commence. Then movement will be easier and it will be great for business. This
will do wonders for everyone in the hospitality industry.”
Shekar Salkar who was part of the expert committee said the
government had requested the committee to decide. He said “There were seven
doctors present wholeheartedly recommending the lifting of all restrictions
because the numbers are so low. There are just five cases at the GMC. The
Carnival was conducted without a problem and life is moving on. Business was
suffering but now the situation has certainly improved. So this was the right time
to make this move.”
Perhaps
this is the best news received by the industry but it will certainly make sense
to exercise some caution.
