TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Rising costs in travel, high inflation and irrational taxes in Goa may take the cheer out of the holiday spirit that had set in after the dollar scored over the depreciating rupee four months ago.
For the Russians in particular, the devalued rouble against the dollar has virtually punctured the mood even as thousands are expected to visit Goa during the next four months.
This season, holidaying in Goa is expected to cost almost 15 per cent more compared to the previous year and benefits accrued through package holidays offered by foreign travel agents would be negligible in comparison to rising costs in the state.
“Even if foreign tourists have booked special holiday packages considering the value for money offers during the great Indian economic depression three or four months ago their holidays are going to cost them dearly as prices of virtually everything have soared,” said a chief executive office of a travel agency here in Goa.
He said, “Eating at a restaurant in Goa has become very expensive and so has travel and other costs.”
As of today a flight from Mumbai to Goa is priced at Rs 13,000. So also are hotel rates up by 10 per cent this year.
“This year tourists visiting Goa will feel the pinch,” said Aloo Gomes of TBI whose major clientele are from Russia.
Gomes said “Taxes are so high that tourists will not opt to eat in big restaurants and may also compromise on accommodation and opt for lower category hotels,” he said.
Gomes said that Goa has a lot to think about its tax structures as other holiday destinations in South East Asia may become more attractive for foreign tourists in future.
Nilesh Shah of PBA Holidays feels that vacationing in Goa could get dearer by 20 to 30 per cent compared to previous years in view of air fares and travel rates rising very sharply.
Shah said that even inter-state travel by bus is getting costlier every passing day.
Ernest Dias of SITA travel agency also said that rising inflation is going to take a toll on holidayers in Goa.
Dias who is currently in London for the World Trade Mart said that air fares are a huge factor in making holidays to Goa expensive.
The president of the Hotels and Restaurants Association of Goa, Gaurish Dhond also said, “Goa is an expensive destination compared to the rest of the country because of its high standard of living, culture, food and several other factors.”
He, however, said that this has not discouraged tourists from coming to the State. He felt that this year there should not be much of a difference in comparison to last year and pegged the increase in tourists between 5 to 10 per cent.
