PANJIM: Already suffering a fall in arrivals owing to various factors, the coastal State of Goa is likely to be hit by the ripple effect of the coronavirus crisis. With the project inviting Chinese delegation for promoting Goa in the now-COVID-19 affected country has been shelved, State hopes that visitors preferring South-Eastern countries could now divert to India for vacation, subject to the developments on the epidemic.
Fortunately, State does not get holidayers from the countries such as Italy, South Korea, Japan and Iran besides China making it safer than other countries.
“We don’t get much visitors from South Eastern countries. However, we do get small numbers from Spain, Italy, among a few others. Just like many other countries, we might face an impact in the tourism sector as air travel is taking a hit due to the infectious virus. Nevertheless, the visitors who cannot travel to COVID-19 affected countries can prefer Goa subject to their health condition,” Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) President Savio Messias said.
Fortunately, India has not witnessed an epidemic even as three fresh cases were reported from Northern part, on Tuesday. On Tuesday, the Government of India suspended visas/e-visa granted to Italy, South Korea, Iran and Japan nationals, who haven’t yet entered India, on or before March 3. To those from these countries, wishing to travel to India on emergency ground, should apply before the authorities afresh.
