Tourist Trap Or Travel Ready?

Even as restrictions on tourism lift and visitors come flooding in, COVID-19 cases in Goa – and mortality rates – continue to rise. Are we ready to face the situation head-on? VIVA GOA gets a public perspective about Goa’s immediate future.

- Pooja Boopathy

Goa was ranked 11th best destination in the world by travelers on TripAdvisor

The last six months were nothing less than a roller coaster ride for many. India got a front-row seat to what life during a pandemic is like. It has been a difficult period for governing authorities and the general public alike. Government decisions don’t always go down well with the public .

On September 01, 2020, the state government announced that a COVID test or e-pass was no longer required for anyone entering the state. All licenced bars and restaurants were permitted to commence operations while following strict safety protocols. Tourists from across the country have started flocking to Goa ever since.

According to president of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), Nilesh Shah, within a week of the announcement, hotels reported a surge in bookings from 4.5 per cent to 15 per cent.

General manager of The Park Calangute Goa and The Park Baga River Saurabh Khanna said, “Initially the response was slow considering people were wary of travel and were not confident about visiting hotels. But I feel it was important to restart operations, as an industry, to build confidence in people about safety and hygiene in hotels and in Goa as a holiday destination. Once the travel restrictions were removed and the borders opened up, the response has been extremely positive.”