The land of Morjim and Mandrem dominated by the presence of Russians and Israelis, some of whom were found sun tanning on the beaches, while others running businesses; are today grappling with new realities at the northernmost tip of Goa. While the shocking decline in tourists has largely impacted businesses, not only run by the locals, but also by Russian entrepreneurs, the fact they are unable to attract Indian customers has left them in lurch.
“There is an impression that we are not friendly to Goans or Indians. This is a thing of the past. We are quite friendly with every visitor and also try to mingle with the locals,” said a Russian co-owner of a beachside restaurant, who is married to a Delhi resident.
Another Russian citizen, who is on a business visa to Goa, echoed the same view claiming they are not here to usurp businesses of locals, but to work in tandem, to contribute to Goan economy as well.
This is just one facet of their life in Goa. On the other hand, their businesses like local traders have faced a major setback owing to a poor tourist season this year. Not only have their numbers reduced by 35% to their chagrin, but the restaurants-hotels-café centres barely have a handful of customers.
The scene at Morjim is no different from what it was, than in the recent past. Plenty of Russian entrepreneurs have set up commercial establishments; however the streets and beaches are almost empty. The beach beds that were in more demand than anything else among the sunbathing foreign nationals are lying vacant and forlorn.
According to some, the fall in Russian tourists, who accounted for the highest arrivals in the last two years, are unhappy with Goan hospitality. Moreover, the Russian Information Centre (RIC) head in Goa Ekaterina Belyakova opines that Goa should look out for clients from other countries as well, rather than depending on the existing ones.
She went on to suggest that overseas promotional events, where time and money is a waste, should be replaced with technology to get in touch with customers directly. “There is a need to promote Goa as a destination in other countries, not only in Russia, and not only at travel marts. We need to send information about Goa, directly to the customers and if they wish to come to Goa, they will find the way, how to get here. Without cooperation from all business structures, the completion of this mission is absolutely not possible” Belyakova explained.
The fall of the exchange rate of the rouble compared to the dollar, sudden inflation and high visa fees have added to the decline of tourism, as more charter operators are planning to stop operations to Goa. They have opted for alternate destinations now.
“There are a number of reasons for the reduction of Russian tourists in Goa. It was initially felt that the only reason for this reduction was the volatile status of the rouble. But I understand that a large number of Russians are still travelling overseas for their holidays to Egypt, Portugal and Spain. Goa on the other hand has seen tens of thousands of cancellations of Russian bookings,” legal advisor to Russian Consulate Advocate Vikram Varma added.
While commenting on the poor business record this year, she said if tourists still don’t come in, hotels and restaurants partly owned by Russian citizens may have to close down their operations by next month. Incidentally, some local hoteliers (on Herald’s December 27, 2014 edition) had also claimed they may have to shut down soon as there were barely any bookings after January 10, with many cancelling their trips to Goa.
Herald spoke to a couple of Russian tourists who are uncertain whether they would return to Goa on their next trip, owing to several negatives they have endured here. Right from destroying the environment to unfriendly policemen, thefts, expensive food and rents are some reasons cited by them.
“Goa is beautiful and so is its ambience. Hardly anything is necessary to change in order to become more attractive. But please do not construct high-rise buildings in Arambol. Maintain its natural beauty for what people from all over the world come here for -to breathe the air of freedom, joy and happiness.” Alexander Redut told this reporter. He also suggested that parties should not be banned, while also adding that parties with drugs, if any, should be cracked down upon.
Another woman tourist Jenya Juravleva had a bad experience when she was not allowed into her hotel room, for the simple reason that some of them were drunk. She exclaimed that the hotel extorted money from them, to allow them into the hotel, though the rooms were already booked and payment made.
Filthy beaches, stray dogs, hawkers on the beaches are other reasons why, Russian tourists said, they may not visit Goa anymore. Personal safety has also been a big question mark with many of them not knowing to speak or understand English of Konkani.
Asked what was needed to rectify the present scenario, Vikram Varma, the counsel for the Russian Consulate said “Before we can do things to rectify the situation, the cause of the present crisis has to be understood in depth. The power as well as responsibility to understand the present crisis and take corrective steps vests with the Government and we would be more than happy to assist as and when desired by the Goa Government.” Belyakova fears if the trend continues Russians may drop Goa as the travel destination altogether.
