HOT SPOT: These days, Agonda Beach is the preferred destination for British tourists. Photo: Augusto Rodrigues
Goa

British tourists, Goa’s beaches, a romance that does not end

Surge of British tourists this season has local travel agents reestablishing contact with their UK counterparts in a bid to increase footfalls in the coming season, even as Ukranians plan on returning

Augusto Rodrigues

The British tourists are still arriving – though not in big numbers – and a video shared by one who arrived on Saturday, says much: “Can’t beat the nature on Palolem Beach, and pray they don’t ruin it with high rise hotels and flats/clubs. Vagator has been ruined and they are still making more.”

Mandira is one of those repeat guests who loves the vibes shared by the locals and hence does not miss any opportunity to be on a flight to Goa irrespective of the weather.

With the tourism market opening and the surge of tourists, especially from the UK, travel agents are looking to reestablish contact with their counterparts in the United Kingdom.

“I cannot disclose the name of the company, but we are looking at digging a bit more into the UK market because the response from guests from the UK has been very good this season,” admits CFO of Sita India, Ernest Dias.

HOLIDAY MODE: Russian visitors love Morjim Beach, in North Goa.

“There has always been a catchy relationship between the Brits and the locals since the time the charters started, and the response this year by customers who were here before is heartening,” adds Dias.

“How many have already booked their tickets for next year?” was a question put on a social media page, and in less than 30 minutes, 132 had declared that their holiday for the 2025-2026 season was already booked.

Mandira is one of those repeat guests who loves the vibes shared by the locals and hence does not miss any opportunity to be on a flight to Goa irrespective of the weather.

If the response to how many tickets were booked was quick, the reply to how many had booked their accommodation was rapid fire, with 201 mentioning their places of stay in the coming season.

“Booked 29 nights in Candolim,” writes Fletcher who was one of over 200 who has decided to bring in the New Year in Goa, this year too. One member on the group posted, “Mine was booked before I left.”

“It is not just the Brits who wish to return, but even tourists who have come to Goa for the first time this season. We have had a lot of Ukrainians asking us for deals next year before they left,” said an employee from a travel agency.

NOT A SOUL IN SIGHT: These days, beaches wear a deserted look in the mornings.

“Been going to Goa for many years and only found Tuscanny this year. What a find! A little bit of Italy in the middle of Goa. Went as many times as we could before coming home. Know where our first Saturday night meal is going to be when we go back in December,” recommends Terry Jeans.

The problems faced as taxi drivers keep popping up lead many to believe that the problem could have been solved had the local authorities sat down with those affected.

“Taxis aren't just a problem in Goa — it's an issue seen in many countries around the world. But, whilst solutions are put in place everywhere else, it does not seem to be so in Goa. For sure, there has to be a way out,” suggests Martha.

“We have been taking the same taxi guy for the last many years for our airport pick up and drop because whilst in Goa, we use public transport,” winds up Martha, as she and her partner get engrossed in their last sunset in Goa before heading back to their country.

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