A perusal of tourism websites related to Goa gives the feeling that all is well despite the sudden hiccups during the festive season. December is the time of the year, everywhere in the world, when everyone tries to earn the extra buck and those who fail to do so, will mourn for a while.
The peak of the season – calculated as the time when the most money is made – has come and gone but the cash tills in the tourism belt are still jingling and the reading is that the jingle is going to be louder. The reason – those who have come and gone, have started making plans to return.
By now, it is clear that as long as Goans are around, the flow of tourists will continue with the highs and lows largely determined by the world economy.
There has been some debate on Indian tourists and foreign tourists. In the end, both are tourists, the only difference being, one is closer to home than the other. But, both love Goa.
By now, it is clear that as long as Goans are around, the flow of tourists will continue with the highs and lows largely determined by the world economy.
Suman Ghosh has been no foreigner to Goa, having first come to visit in 2004 and visiting the place again, after a gap of 20 years, says, “I visited Goa in November 2024 and found Goa as vibrating as I had found it in December 2004. After 20 years, Goa is equally appealing. Do visit Goa. Cost per person has gone up, otherwise everything is not only same, has rather improved. And yes, it’s safe for all gender and age, as safe as any tourist place in the world.”
The beaches do not look as empty as many thought they were in December because December appeared to be drawn as the time of the year where all would have to walk on their toes!
If stakeholders stuttered, it was because the numbers had not increased as expected after the pandemic and looking back that is no reason to have panicked.
The beaches do not look as empty as many thought they were in December because December appeared to be drawn as the time of the year where all would have to walk on their toes!
For, the words of Iddya Madhav Salian only help reinforce why Goa still attracts tourists from all over. He writes: “Everyone has an opinion, good or bad. I am from Mangalore having an apartment on 9th floor with wonderful sea and land view but still travel to Goa twice a year and enjoy my stay thoroughly. Yes, taxi fares are high, many restaurants have North East staff and cooks, as such some restaurants may not serve authentic Goa cuisine but sheer diversity of Goa makes it unique.”
Goa’s diversity is its people. The way we think, accept others and are ready to change for the good of all. The diversity of thought is what has drawn everyone to this land and it is good that many smell the past in the present.
Perceptions of Goa do not differ much from wherever the guest may be, if one dives into Valerie Moriss’ point of view where she thinks: “I have been going to Goa since 2009 every year for two months or more. Came back home just before the lockdown. Unfortunately, now a widow. There have been huge changes and that’s progress and things will get more expensive. I think you’ll enjoy yourself. Holidays are always what you make them.”
Goa’s diversity is its people. The way we think, accept others and are ready to change for the good of all. The diversity of thought is what has drawn everyone to this land
We are in the third quarter of the season and things are looking better than last year and it is this positivity, not panic, that helps. In a few months, it will be Carnival – March 1 to 4 – and the crowds will be back, though this time we will be looking over the border to see the trail of visitors.
Every year, as one listens out of the tourism window, the tune is the same. Only, the words keep changing.