All good things need not come to an end, particularly when they are not seasonal. Tourism that was once seasonal turned year-round after the COVID-19 pandemic but now appears to be returning to its original seasonal status. Yet, the bubble is floating.
Before the pandemic, tourism was mostly about foreigners. When their numbers dwindled, domestic tourists were accorded a warm welcome and, at one stage, tourism seemed set to adapt to their tastes.
Now that the window is fully open, stakeholders are hoping for the return of foreigners.
Foreign tourists are making a comeback, but not in the expected numbers. Yet, the 2024-2025 season was indicative of the fact that the best is yet to come.
The Russians kept their flow running, but it was the return of the English and others Europeans that added vibrancy to the industry.
Check this out: “Travelled from Benaulim to Patnem by bus. Total cost for four adults 180 rps, got some huts for 25 pounds a night for two adults right on the beach,” wrote Kerry Guy on a social media site. It is comments such as these that indicate that this is not the time to be complacent.
Despite the problems created by taxi drivers, flights shifting to Mopa and the ruckus by a few domestic tourists, most foreigners leave Goa with happy memories of good times with locals, and that is brand tourism.
Most tourist spots the world over are changing and many have undergone a metamorphosis. And, Goa is not lagging. Things are changing and that change gets varied reactions.
Take the case of Alison Kachel who writes: “Visited Anjuna Beach today for the first time, and it certainly was not what I was expecting. We had not been there for long and out came all the giant speakers playing club music.”
She adds, “We did not let it put us off. We stayed put as hubby went along the beach and it seemed pretty much the norm. Enjoyable day, sea like warm bath, good food, good prices. Would we go back, not sure but glad we did it.”
Anjuna, once the den of all things ethereal, can be seen through a prism, and what is good for one may not be for another if one is to go by what Sara Bromley thinks, “We didn’t like Anjuna at all and left as soon as we could. There are so many better places for various reasons.”
Despite the unexpected rise in temperatures, foreigners have not been complaining with most enjoying the sun on the beach though there are indications that there may be less foreigners coming or bookings will decline until next season.
“Foreigners normally start leaving by April because of the heat. Unfortunately, it has started getting hot earlier, though no one has started complaining,” says Alec who owns a homestay.
He adds, “Most of my foreign clients moved south though a few have started returning since Sunburn was shifted. Noise that was becoming a menace has reduced due to the intervention of the High Court.”
Commenting further, he says, “The season was a bit bumpy before Christmas but picked up. And, compared to previous years, this time was good with a lot of foreign tourists coming after New Year.”
Despite the unexpected rise in temperatures, foreigners have not been complaining with most enjoying the sun on the beach though there are indications that there may be less foreigners coming or bookings will decline until next season.
Marina from Spain, a repeat visitor, believes that despite prices having shot up, the allure of the place has not been lost.
“Even vegetables have gotten expensive, but that is not much of a problem because I come here for my space and as long as I get it, I have no reason to complain,” she admits.
The number of foreign tourists, mostly senior citizens, visiting the north picked up towards the New Year with many visiting the old joints and getting appalled by the prices in the clubs, run by outsiders.
For many, the difference is not only in price, but the people running the places, thus once again raising questions on brand Goa.