The Air India plane crash that shocked everyone, drew worried frowns from tourism stakeholders in Goa. The Dreamliner brought a number of Britishers to Goa last season and was a popular means of travel for the many English people who holidayed in Goa.
Air India flew five flights a week to Goa, and that was one reason British tourists could be found in Candolim and Sinquerim, in North Goa and down South Goa, too. Many tourists had already decided to return in the coming season and bookings had been done.
For instance, just two ago, Penny posed the following question on a site that caters to travellers to Goa: “For those who travel TUI, on the Dreamliner, anyone know what the headphone jack looks like, if I want to use my own headphone.”
Social media is abuzz with news, videos, posts and messages of the crash, and many in the industry are shocked.
Tourism stakeholders in Candolim reflected a sad and worrying mood after the news of the crash trickled in as the arrival of tourists from the UK lifted them from the doom of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tourism stakeholders in Candolim reflected a sad and worrying mood after the news of the crash trickled in as the arrival of tourists from the UK lifted them from the doom of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The past season was good for us, and we expected to do much better this season, but the news of the crash has put me off balance. Am wondering how our clients from the UK will react to this crash as most of them used to fly with Air India,” observes rentback apartment owner, Salvador.
The mood at Chapora junction was somber. There were customers, but it was quiet with most preferring to either watch television news in restaurants or just share the news they had gathered on their social media platforms.
“I'm hearing news of a crash after a very long time. I do not remember of any for many years, and this comes as shocking,” said Andrew, a regular from the UK to Goa. “I know a lot of friends who used this company last season, and many are expected to come this season,” he added.
For Britishers, he continued, the Air India flights offered direct connectivity from the UK.
“There was no hassle of stopping in any other country. The Air India flights were like charters, without the frills of charters. They gave FIT (Foreign Individual Tourist) customers the feel of charter service. Their tickets were reasonable compared to others,” sounded Andrew.
I'm hearing news of a crash after a very long time. I do not remember of any for many years, and this comes as shocking.Andrew, regular British tourist
However, many believe that despite the setback their clients from the UK will not get discouraged, and will return. “This is destiny and most are aware of it. I am sure that just because one AI plane crashed, all are not going to be grounded,” reasoned Salvador.
Salvador’s contention was backed by a travel agent who expects airlines to start laying emphasis on flight safety. “Mishaps occur, but that does not mean the end. The investigations will be over quickly, and all flyers will be put at ease afterwards,” said a travel agent based in North Goa.
The crash has left many stakeholders worried, but is not expected to dent the forthcoming season and the worries are expected to die down once new safety protocols are in place.