Any sense of elation shack owners experienced with the first few foreigners appearing on the scene seems to be waning. Instead, worry appears to be the order of the day as shack owners across Goa experience a decline in customers despite having opened early.
“We were crying last year because permissions were not issued in time. This year I am beginning to worry because there are no customers. During the day, it is a silent zone,” says an exasperated Severina Fernandes, a shack owner from Candolim.
Reduction in tourist footfall is a problem ailing shack owners in North and South Goa and those involved, though perplexed, are not yet ready to throw in the towel.
“We got to hope, we don’t give up,” says Joaquim Cortez, a shack owner from South Goa, who is also trying to understand the lack of customers despite being ready well in time.
“The government did a wonderful job this time, but there is more that needs to be understood,” he believes.
The shacks look colourful, the music in most places gels with the ambience and the lit candles that appear to be floating on each table on the beach are welcoming. But the takers are few.
For a change, as one walks on the shoreline, one is accosted by warm welcomes of shack staff trying to lure one in. The spoken Hindi sounds pleasant but not welcoming enough to all.
“I cannot understand it, and hence am unable to explain why there are no customers. I get around one to three customers during the weekend,” says a disturbed Severina.
Joaquim, or Jack, as he is known, thinks his shack is afloat because of his old guests. Yet, he admits, that many of his clients have opted to visit other Asian countries. “I had a guest who called up to say that Malaysia has better facilities than Goa, that infrastructure there is way up compared to ours,” explains Jack.
Carlos Santana’s song “Don’t take her for granted” fills the air in Jack’s shack as he begins to list reasons why foreigners have opted for other destinations.
“We do not have better connectivity. A customer needs to pay Rs 3000 for a taxi from Benaulim to Cavelossim because there is no internal transport which a tourist can rely on,” rues Jack.
Transport, according to Jack, is one problem that needs to be addressed immediately because Goa is known the world over for its bad system.
“Guests that come complain that flights to India are expensive and feel that the hotel rates are high compared to other countries. It is worrying because the Indian clients that visit are different,” reveals Severina.
“The tourists from our country are not those who come to enjoy holidays. Those coming for holidays are those who come to swim, eat and drink. They may start coming later,” says Jack.
“We have a microscopic view of tourism in Goa, whereas it is different in other countries where the package is total. Despite having opened its doors years ago, there is no solution to the taxi problem yet,” laments Jack. “This is known all over the world, and yet we cannot find a solution to it,” he adds.
“We can have the best hearts, but the best should think of the best for others too. The focus should be on value for money in terms of providing the best facilities. Having shacks up in time is just one of the things. Tourism is beyond shacks,” reasons Jack.
There was apprehension in the minds of stakeholders before the Christmas season last year. The fear looms again.
In the end, 2023 passed with sweet memories and more hopes. Santa Claus could well appear with unexpected goodies for 2024. The shack owners are not ready to let their bubble of hope burst prematurely.