Drive-in tourists add to numbers in Goa

With the India-Pakistan war and its effect on tourism in Jammu and Kashmir and other areas in North India, Goa appears to be witnessing a rise in drive-in tourists, especially of those arriving by bus or driving down in their own vehicles.

North Goa beaches saw tourists from neighbouring Maharashtra and Karnataka, though the ripple effect did not leave those seeking middle-level customers smiling.

“I have had three agents asking me to keep their hotel reservations on hold. There were no immediate cancellations but the month of June seems to be uncertain,” disclosed the owner of a mid-level hotel in North Goa.

With tensions high between India and Pakistan high, tourism stakeholders in Goa expected the of visitors from cooler climes to shift to Goa. And, early reservations did indicate that.

Hotel owner in North Goa I have had three agents asking me to keep their hotel reservations on hold. There were no immediate cancellations but the month of June seems to be uncertain

“I had a big group of doctors from the north that had booked almost half of the for a get together. However, they called up to inform that they had to cancel the reservations as the government had directed them not to go on leave due to the conflict,” admitted the manager of a hotel in the North.

With leaves of medical staff in many states being cancelled and airports closed, travelling to Goa is turning to be a problem to those wanting to get away from the crisis up north.

SEA THE MOMENT: Tourists enjoying the view of the sea in North Goa.

“Though we are not directly in the path of the crossfire, as part of emergency services, we have been instructed to be ready for any eventuality and hence our leaves have been cancelled. We will need to wait,” disclosed Raul, who had planned to chill in Goa with his colleagues.

“People do not like to live in conflict zones but there were bookings cancelled because of the closure of many airports in the north. Despite this, some guest are driving to the nearest available airport and down,” stated a stakeholder working for a reputed travel company in North India.

Unlike in South of India, citizens in the north appear worried and unsure of Pakistan’s response leaving many to opt to in environs where harm is least expected.

“With tension escalating and the number of reservations till June seeing an upsurge, we expected a good footfall in June but the uncertainty over the ceasefire has added to the confusion,” stated another hotelier from North Goa.

Hotelier from North Goa With tension escalating and the number of reservations till June seeing an upsurge, we expected a good footfall in June but the uncertainty over the ceasefire has added to the confusion

Reservations in high-end hotels do not seem to be affected with the flow of tourists being constant. “This is not the to expect hundred percent occupancy but the flow is better. Nobody wants to live in doubt. Goa is looked as a safer place than others,” said Vivek, the PR of a luxury resort.

The strife in the north has benefitted dormitories in North Goa with most tourists coming by bus along with their own utensils and thus avoiding local restaurants.

Most guest opt to stay in hotels that offer rooms below Rs 1000 a day and normally a group of four to five choose to stay in one room. “Something is better than nothing,” smiles the owner of a home stay in the north.

The ceasefire being declared has left many in the industry more confused with trust being the catalyst.