Goa tourism stakeholders hope for the best in time of strife

With airports shut and flights cancelled, tourism stakeholders in Goa are happy that tension escalated with neighbouring Pakistan at a time when the season is coming to an end.

“War always paints a grim picture, and its effect can be felt everywhere. Nobody really likes to holiday in a place which is in strife. We hope the tension de-escalates soon,” prays Gasper, who represents a travel agency in Panjim.

For many in the tourism industry, the problem with Pakistan peaked at a time when the season was coming to a close.

“With most foreigners having left by mid-April and a few Foreign Individual Tourists (FITs) having booked for the , the impact is not really going to be much,” says Gasper.

“I have been reading about the problem with Pakistan, and though things appear to be going from bad to worse, I have no choice but to enjoy my holidays in Goa,” says Emilia from Italy.

For many in the tourism industry, the problem with Pakistan peaked at a time when the season was coming to a close.

“We are supposed to leave next month, and I have been assured that the problem will not escalate for our return flight to be cancelled. Anyway, being in Goa is like being at home,” reasons Emilia.

The tension between Indian and Pakistan, according to hotelier Savio, will have a direct bearing in Kashmir and the northern states.

“I do not expect many cancellations in Goa, at least for the moment,” argues Savio. “normally dip from April, and hence, the effect should be minimal on the industry.”

“We have no cancellations as of now, and hopefully do not expect any unless the situation really gets out of hand. The disruption of and closure of airports in some states in the north will not have much bearing here,” admits Savio.

Taneja, a tourist relaxing against a canoe on the beach says, “What is happening is bad. War should always be avoided. As we try and enjoy our holiday in this time of stress, we hope better sense prevails because this tension is not good for anyone. It will hurt the economy of both countries.”

With airports shut and flights cancelled, tourism stakeholders in Goa are happy that tension escalated with neighbouring Pakistan at a time when the season is coming to an end.

“With this tension, the number of coming to India will stop dramatically, and it will have a rippling effect on our economy. No foreigner would dream of coming to the country during these days of strife,” he reasons.

What has been affected is travel from Goa to Kashmir. “We did not get many cancellations immediately after the attack in Phalagam, but things have got bad now. Many families have cancelled their vacations to the valley and they have no alternative plans. So, we are seeing bookings being cancelled instead of being rescheduled.”

“At this time, when tension is escalating and the air of uncertainty is increasing, it is difficult to convince people of alternative holiday destinations. Everyone wants to be at home,” reasons Esmeralda as she comes to terms with the fact that her children will have to spend their holidays at home.

“We will have to go to the as it seems to be the safest bet at this time. It is best to be at home if the situation goes from bad to worse. There is nothing like home,” adds her daughter, Lorna.

The skies do not look promising for stakeholders at this moment, but many are not too worried as the season has seen good times for a majority of the stakeholders. For many, it is time to wait and hope for the best.