PANJIM: The tourism industry of Goa, which was on the revival path post-lockdown, is once again staring at another crisis owing to spurt in COVID-19 cases across the country. The State has already recorded over 50 per cent cancellation of flight tickets and hotel bookings in fear of possible lockdown in their respective States and mandatory RT-PCR tests upon their arrival there.
“Tourism had picked pace after the lockdown. We started getting tourists but sudden surge in cases across different parts of the country has yet again affected the industry in Goa. This situation will remain until May. It’s a challenging time for the industry,” said Nilesh Shah, president of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG).
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He confirmed that besdes cancellation in bookings, protest by tourist taxi operators is rubbing salt to the wounds. “When tourism is on survival mode, such attitude by taxi operators is not tolerated,” he said.
“The occupancy in the flights and hotels are not full. Over 50 per cent cancellations have been reported in last 10 days. In most places, the governments have made RT-PCR mandatory so people prefer to remain in their home States and they also apprehend lockdown,” Shah further said.
President of All Goa Hoteliers Association Gaurish Dhond echoed Shah’s opinion adding that the existing crowd is that of casino-goers. “It appears due to COVID-19 situation in Maharashtra, Karnataka and North India people are not willing to move out. Those who are really coming out are the youngsters for casinos,” he said.
Weeks after overcrowded tourist locations, the coastal belt besides other major towns and cities are witnessing a downfall in the number of domestic travelers. The non-Goa registered vehicles have also dropped indicating that drive-in tourists are also hesitant to travel.
The stakeholders have urged people to ensure adhering to all the safety protocols and that eligible people get vaccinated for COVID-19. At the same time, Dhond added, authorities should refrain from holding events that would encourage gathering of large crowd such as Hunar Haat.
“We need to be cautious and take care. People should wear masks, maintain social distancing and hand hygiene otherwise it will another big pandemic for Goa. About festivals, they should not repeat another festival like ‘Hunar Haat’. We also request people to get them vaccinated,” Dhond, also Chairman of Red Cross Society said.
Shah too said that people should take safety norms seriously. The TTAG has also requested the government to allow vaccination for the hospitality sector at the earliest.
