PANJIM: Goa Police has intensified patrolling along the coastal stretch as the State is witnessing unprecedented footfall of visitors.
The tourism scene in Goa has given a much needed relief to the stakeholders, who were amongst the worst affected during COVID-19 pandemic, but with increase in domestic arrivals, the strength of patrolling police personnel has also augmented.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
“Goa Police is prepared to handle the challenge (increasing footfalls). We are taking strict action against any harassment of tourists, as well as against those who are not following COVID-19 norms,” Superintendent of Police (North Goa) Shobhit Saxena said.
Besides, ensuring law and order, the department has also maintained vigil against drug-related activities considering that the menace merges on a larger scale during the tourist season.
Severely hit during the pandemic that struck the globe last year, Goa is recording an impressive season. While several hotels are running full, international arrivals will further boost the ongoing season.
“Overall season, so far, is quite good. It is not extra ordinary but it is a good sign… The businesses might not earn profits. However, the increase in arrivals will help the industry survive after a massive loss due to the COVID-19 situation. All hotels are running quite well. We are now waiting for international arrivals as it will benefit small hotels,” President of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) Nilesh Shah said while speaking to Herald.
Nearly all the starred hotels offered attractive packages soon as the State government opened its doors for fully vaccinated tourists, leading to surge in arrivals.
Shah said that a discount of 20-30 per cent to the tariff charged pre-COVID-19 period has also boosted arrivals. “Once inbound tourism commences, the price might go back to pre-COVID,” he added.
Goa is expected to receive its first charter from Kazakhstan on December 7 followed by four charter flights from UK on December 13. With no outbound tourism at the moment, Goa is one of the most preferred destinations among domestic visitors.
