This year, it’s not the summer heat, but the Election Code of Conduct, that has left tourism stakeholders helpless as the sale of liquor and outdoor activity is not permitted after 10 pm.
“This time of the year is normally not the best time for tourism, but with the Election Code of Conduct in force, and no loud activity permitted after 10 pm, wedding planners have opted for other locations,” said the manager of a five-star resort, on condition of anonymity.
The southern coastal belt, especially from Cavelossim to Velsao, is known to host extravagant weddings till the onset of the monsoons, the peak being in December. But, with elections due on May 7, the sands have turned hot.
“Our clients love to celebrate their weddings on the beach. This has been the trend after we opened, following the pandemic. Unfortunately, since the elections are around the corner, we have to wait, and the hotel is seeing a drop in occupancy,” added the manager.
Not just events, but the foreign tourists too have returned to their own countries.
“We are in the middle of April, and by now, most foreigners opt to go back because the heat gets unbearable for them. There are still a few foreign tourists around, but they come out mostly for the sunset,” says Ganesh as he sits in his empty shack.
Derek is a lone foreigner, or rather, the only customer sitting and sipping a beer, in one of the four shacks in Utorda.
“It is too hot. It is not possible to enjoy a mug of beer after a few minutes because it does not remain chilled for long,” he says.
This year, it’s not the summer heat, but the Election Code of Conduct, that has left tourism stakeholders helpless as the sale of liquor and outdoor activity is not permitted after 10 pm.
It is only in the late evening that the beaches see some activity.
“This is the time of the year when locals come to enjoy the beach. Sea water has a soothing effect on people, and the elderly normally come to have a dip in the evenings,” says Santan, as he and the others pull the nets inside the canoe after doing the necessary repairs.
As they do that, persons selling handicrafts, and those who offer massages, are seen seated under beach umbrellas or inside empty shacks on beaches, away from the heat.
“The heat has hit us early. Though it is cool in the mornings, fishing after 11 am is becoming a problem because of the heat out at sea. We tend to set out early so as to be back quickly,” says Santan as he and his friends, begin to leave the beach after arranging the nets for the next day’s catch.
With the Election Code of Conduct in force, alcohol is not sold in Goa after 10 pm.
“Our last food orders are at 10.30 pm, but we ask our clients to finish their drinks by 10 pm. It is not worth taking risks,” states Gautam, manager of a shack on the beach.
Apart from bars and restaurants, the wholesale or retail outlets also complete their last transactions before 10 pm, leading to some tourists lining up outside retail outlets before 8 pm.
“I close by 9 pm because this is one time of the year where no one can come forward to help. So, it’s not worth the risk,” says Abdon who would normally keep his retail outlet open past 10 pm.
"Clients are aware of the restrictions, and therefore, come early so as not to be disappointed,” adds Abdon.
With a drop in the number of tourists, an easy calm has set in along the southern coastal belt with many returning home early, too.
