Repeat tourists have kept Goa tourism afloat, and first-timers are not far behind in making it clear that, despite the uneven bounces, the place still has an ethereal attraction.
"First time in Goa, and it has been fabulous, going home tomorrow. Can’t wait to come back next year, the best holiday and place I’ve ever been," is how Mandy Clark signed off on social media.
Mandy could be one of the many first-timers who are leaving Goa with warm memories thereby indicating that the beauty of Goa still stirs in the cauldron of good times of the industry.
"2 weeks in Cape Verde just before Christmas, then 1 month in Candolim, in February India. That’s plenty for me. Goa’s the best though," declares Alan Robson in another post.
The tourists are there, but if many are worried, it could possibly be because most stakeholders expect the flow to be always steady, and a slight dip leaves them drifting towards depression.
That could be explained as a post-pandemic syndrome. “The (Covid-19) pandemic had its toll on all, and by that, I mean a psychological toll that many are unable to comprehend, and hence, unable to come to terms with,” says Dr Dhruv as he sips beer with friends from the United Kingdom.
"What everyone went through was bad, and it is going to take time to heal,” he adds.
“From a broader perspective, all industries are striving to stay afloat and it’s not just tourism in Goa. This re-growth is an international matter cobbling industries the world over, and fear or depression are common ailments,” reasons Dr Dhruv.
“We have had a nice time. Some parts (of Goa) are a bit noisy and others dirty. But, in the end, the decision, what to opt for, lies with individuals. There is so much to choose from any place and there are many good places here,” he confesses.
Many believe and, there could be an iota of truth in it, that Goa is a favourite destination of seniors.
“Don’t expect the youngsters to wear their holiday boots soon as they are a segment that will take time to recover from the blows of the pandemic,” says Helen.
Though the tourists are here, the industry wants more. “It is stupid to expect the same flow of visitors as we did a few years back. There was a time when vehicles with tourist could be seen plying on our roads. Those were the days when Dabolim airport used to host five to six charters every day," reminiscences Shekar.
“Just because we had hundred tourists a day a few years back, does not mean we will have a hundred now. Every industry goes through a circle and whichever shape it may end up, it will never be the same as before,” he thinks.
But, the tourists have not given up on Goa. The British, the most favoured visitors in Goa are, as of now, happily hanging around Candolim and prefer to fly TUI.
Apart from the foreigners coming in charters, the Germans are there, along with others from European countries.
Many believe and, there could be an iota of truth in it, that Goa is a favourite destination of seniors.
Most have opted to stay in apartments or homestays and normally come for around three to six months. They may not spend much eating out, but contribute towards the local economy.
“I pay Rs 17,000 a month for my two-room house and normally cook at home. I go out every evening to the beach or to meet friends and do go for parties once in a while,” discloses Eva from Spain.
Goa, in December, is a cauldron of cultural activities where culture, food, music and song meet. Come December, and the industry is enthused with a new enthusiasm.