Whether it was the international influence or statements by state politicians, tourism operators in Canacona are alarmed over poor tourist arrivals along Canacona’s coast.
While the freefall of the Russian Rouble has been attributed to the low arrival of Russian tourists, civic leaders have also blamed controversial statements such as PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar’s “bikini ban” comments for the doom on the State’s ongoing tourism season.
“We had begun our preparations on the strong hope of a promising new tourist season. But sadly, while all the stakeholders are ready for the season, tourist arrivals have so far been a damp-squib. Tourism is 50% down so far and if the government doesn’t come out with healthy measures, the tourism season will suffer further,” feared Dharmesh Saglani, President of All Goa Private Property Shacks and Huts Owners Association.
Canacona Municipal Council (CMC) Chairperson Simon Rebelo was also pessimistic about the tourism season. “Where are the tourists? There are reports of cancellation of several flights which were booked to bring tourists to Goa. With Christmas and New Year around the corner, any chance of a revival in the tourism season seems very bleak,” said Rebelo, who is also into the tourism business.
Going a step further, Rebello added sarcastically, “The government’s reported ‘anti-bikini’ statement by a minister seems to have been taken seriously by many foreign tourists.”
When reminded the “anti-bikini” statement was not the government’s stand, Rebello shot back, “But since the statement has gone viral in every foreign country, this ‘anti bikini’ remark of a minister in the State government had made headlines on TV channels and on the Internet. Adding to our misery, many rival States in the country are now highlighting this point to deter tourists from visiting Goa. These tourists have begun visiting other States.”
“The poor tourist arrivals have severely hit many tourism entrepreneurs. The government’s anti-tourist stand along the coast such as strictures on operating late-night bars, pubs and other entertainment avenues has not been accepted well by tourists who come to enjoy the Sun, Sea and Sand of Goa,” said Rebelo.
Saglani attributes the decline in tourist arrivals to the State government’s apathy in improving tourism facilities and the Central government’s unfavourable measures.
“There is a heavy decline of British and other European tourists due to the enhancement of visa fees. Goa has two ministers in the Central government and they should influence the Centre in reducing visa fees. Also, UK and other European countries should be included in the ‘Visa-on-Arrival’ facilities. No doubt, Russian tourist arrivals have been plagued by the Ukraine crisis and their falling Rouble,” said Saglani.
Similar concerns have also been expressed on Agonda beach, which had witnessed a surge in tourism activities in recent years.
“Most tourism businesses are running dry these days. With nothing much to cheer about, we fear this could be a lean season for us. Even the 2013-14 tourism season which was considered low, was better in comparison with this period,” informed Shekar Pagui, a shack and hut operator along Agonda’s beach coast.
“While our only hope of Russian arrivals has been dwindling with so many flight cancellations, our European guests have also cited the enhancement of Visa fees by the Indian government from 40 Euros to 120 Euros as a reason to cancel their India plans,” Pagi told Herald.
