Following a storm, there is usually a lull. However, tourism stakeholders in Goa are in a period of uncertainty not knowing which way the wind — in terms of hotel bookings — will blow after the ceasefire with Pakistan, alleged brokered by Donald Trump, president of the USA.
Irrespective of who has a hand in brokering the ceasefire, industry stakeholders in Goa are waiting cautiously to see whether the reservations that were put on pause are now going to be confirmed.
Though, for many, it is the end of the season and time to refurbish and redo the knocks suffered during the season, a few hoteliers prefer to keep the show going, and it is for them that arrivals spell good news.
During the time of strife between India and Pakistan, and much before that, tourist footfalls were not on a decline, though the rich and middle class had already started opting for other destinations.
The number of domestic tourists is steady in North Goa, and mostly scattered around Colva, in the South. The beaches in the north are full with tourists from across the country, especially the neighbouring states.
During the time of strife between India and Pakistan, and much before that, tourist footfalls were not on a decline, though the rich and middle class had already started opting for other destinations.
Most such tourists refrain from checking into hotels, and prefer hostels or homestays that allow a room to be shared by a larger number of people. So, it is a budget vacation that doesn't exactly enable the hosts to walk gleefully to the bank.
The story of breaking even is a good story for those who have risked standing tall in the garden of infrastructure, where loans need to be repaid, staff need to be paid, salaries and bills need to be met.
In such a garden, income is the language best understood, and which most stakeholders are fully conversant with. Hence, the quality of tourist does not matter. The numbers do!
This is the time of the season when the people who cater to Rs 100-biryani flourish, and along with them, the retail alcohol shops, the kiosks selling cigarettes and artifacts from all over India.
Most such businesses are run by people who have decided to make Goa their second home, or for whom Goa is a second home during the tourist season. They too deserve a taste of goodness, as long as they bite what is theirs to chew.
Most such businesses are run by people who have decided to make Goa their second home.
Tourism has been taking a back seat in Goa because of the colours used by many to paint it, those who think they can paint Goa their way. But, this land is not a painting, it is a way of living, and no one, but a Goan knows how to live and love the Goa way.
So, whatever else is sold by a visitor as the essence of Goa is anything but authentic. Yet, locals do not mind as long the attempts to paint are within the boundaries of goodness and do not overlap into greed.
Within a few days, it will be clear whether the bookings that were put on pause mode will switch to 'on' or 'cancellation'. If it is the former, it will be good tidings for those wanting to make hay whilst the sun burns. For others, it will be a forced visit to the refrigerator.
Whatever the outcome, there should be no reason to cry, and most Goan entrepreneurs are not, because the 2024-25 season was good. And, locals know how to enjoy the good times.
