British tourists are returning and their numbers are leaving stakeholders overwhelmed. For many, the good days are back for the bond between the Goans and the British has always been special.
“We have had a lot of repeat guests because there exists an old brand loyalty and this season saw us bounce back after Covid,” says Nahush Bargi, Associate VP of La Passage to India, a subsidiary of TUI.
“We have certain guests, who, no matter the condition, want to come to Goa. This is because they have built relationships that are difficult for us to comprehend.”
Social media has been abuzz with news nuggets shared about what is happening in Goa and most of the times prices offered by TUI are discussed and the services offered are shared.
“I came via the Gulf but the flights are reasonable and reliable. Most of us have no problems because we get what we are offered. There is no chance of being cheated,” says Lia, on her fourth visit.
Bargi explains, “We have two-week packages sometimes extended to three or four but they are all inclusive. We provide our guests with accommodation, transport from the airport and back.”
We have two-week packages sometimes extended to three or four but they are all inclusive. We provide our guests with accommodation, transport from the airport and back
Nahush Bargi, Associate VP of La Passage to India
Bargi, who is content with how the season has panned out for the company, says, “There were four flights per week coming from the UK to Goa with a load of 1200 passengers and most of the time, we had 80 to 90 per cent of seats allotted.”
Most of the tourists arriving on TUI preferred to stay around Candolim but some shifted to South Goa and a few to Anjuna. “I have been coming to Anjuna since 1990 and whatever the noise, I know how to find my tranquility,” admits Brady, a repeat tourist.
I have been coming to Anjuna since 1990 and whatever the noise, I know how to find my tranquility
Brady, British tourist
Besides the TUI charters, Air India has three flights weekly from England landing at Mopa and tourism insiders believe a large number of Foreign Individual Tourists (FITs) arrive on these.
“A lot of old English guests who have bought apartments in Goa opt for the Air India flight. They spend three months and return thereafter and many times come back after a month,” reasons airport representative Dwayne.
There are many of these, for instance Fabiola, who says, “Though I cook at home, we have had some great meals in some of the old and new restaurants that we have visited. We enjoy some nice karaoke evenings and of course the football on the big screen.” Voices rise in cheer for Chelsea in the restaurant as Fabiola says this.
“Every place has to develop and Goa should too. We first came to the north and loved it there until the music started becoming unbearable and we moved down south,” explains Fabiola.
For Bargi’s company, the season has been good. “I can say that we have recovered from the slump after the pandemic. The figures are definitely good compared to before and we are sure we will consolidate next season,” he admits.
“We will continue with our weekly four flights next season and if things improve, will change the number,” says Bargi. The other good news is that there are customers still wanting to fly in April and that has the travel operators on a high.
The return of the British is the sign many stakeholders were awaiting. The focus now will be on the British bringing along friends and the way brand Goa is selling, that may not be difficult.
