PANJIM: Despite reports of drop in air fares and IRCTC (Railways) offers, the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) does not appear to be very excited about the upcoming Christmas-New Year season.
The TTAG feels that while the number of domestic tourists has risen, the irony is there is a huge drop in international tourist arrivals.
“The worrying part is drop in charters. Though there is a rise in domestic tourists it is not going to help much to overcome the deficit,” TTAG president Savio Messias informed Herald.
The TTAG president said many hoteliers in South were very upset over the decline in foreign tourist arrivals.
“Some hoteliers depend totally on charters, which has seen a drop of 55 per cent,” he said.
He said the domestic tourist arrivals are encouraging but then there are two types of domestic tourists – the ones that the high spending and the others who are cheap and create nuisance.
Messais said he is not much excited about the season this year as no Electronic Dance Music (EDM) Festivals will be held.
“Goa isn’t going to be as congested during New Year due to absence of EDM festivals. These events bring in high-end tourists,” he said.
When asked if EDM festivals will be held in February, he said, “Let us see. EDMs cannot be organised in two months there are several permissions required. Besides, the minister was not specific about the event”.
Messias said the minister said the government is ready to consider the EDM festival in February.
“…however, at the same time he is talking about recovering the past dues,” Messais added.
He said the government departments have to sit down and discuss the issue. One minister cannot give approval. “Is there a cabinet approval?” he asked.
On the past dues, Messias said, “Goa Police rates are exorbitant. You cannot host events by paying such fees”.
