Tourism has been declining in Goa. Last year we had 30% less tourist from Russia and Ukraine due to the war and the sanctions imposed on Russia. This year it will be more affected and less tourists will visit Goa from these countries. Many international tourists have stopped visiting but the flow of domestic tourist has increased.
The first impression is always the best impression, but when one comes at the Dabolim airport it is exactly the opposite. The airport is not of international class. Secondly it takes lot of time for clearance of flights. There are not enough toilets inside the terminus and the toilets are not maintained properly and are in filthy conditions. When one comes out of the terminus it stinks since there are no toilets outside so people who are waiting outside, taxi drivers answers the natures call openly. If this is not enough there are porters to carry luggage and ask for money “tips sir” is a common word.
Travelling from the airport to the hotel, is another nightmare since the roads are not in proper condition. We often see cattle sitting in the middle of the road or crossing the roads.
Hotels in Goa are very expensive specially the star-category and due to this many people have shifted to places like Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bangkok etc. where hotels are cheaper then Goa and offers more amenities.
In recent years prices have skyrocketed in Goa. Major tourist restaurants are highly priced. Fish prices are gone very high and tourists are overcharged. On the beaches tourists are often disturbed by beach hawkers, lamanis, etc. which disturb their peace and annoys them.
Tourism in Goa is limited only to beaches, Churches, temples etc. Tourism is not fully developed. The Goa government should promote hinterlands, waterfalls in the villages of Netravali, Valpoi ,Sattari etc. Goa has lot of other things to offer if we plan and organize properly.
Our government and tourism department for last several years have not focused on any foreign market then Russian market. One should know that a tourist can visit one place for two or three times maximum then they visit somewhere else. Before the tourist season even begins everyone knows about the collapse of false ceiling at the airport which created a negative impact on tourism. After mining, tourism is the second biggest occupation for Goa and if it declines only God can save us.
