Goa, a prime tourist destination in India, grapples with a downturn in tourism attributed to regulatory challenges and shutdowns. The hospitality sector faces obstacles from changing regulations, licensing requirements, and evolving policies, leading to a decline in visitor numbers during the peak winter season.

Gaurav Bhardwaj, founder of BENO, a cafe-bar in Goa, highlights the impact of delays in obtaining permissions for beach shacks on local businesses. Restaurant shutdowns, initiated in April due to a lack of pollution control licenses, further contribute to the decline in revenue and footfall.

The resort owner, requesting anonymity, notes the High Court of Bombay in Goa’s stringent order to seal establishments without pollution control certificates. This move has affected live events like music festivals, impacting the entertainment landscape in restaurants, hotels, and resorts.

Nilesh Shah, president of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), points out the contrast between domestic and international tourist arrivals. While domestic tourism has surpassed pre-Covid levels, international arrivals linger between 30 and 40 percent of the pre-pandemic figures. Foreign tourist arrivals, which were 9.4 lakh in 2019, reached 2.8 lakh till July 2023.

Prahlad Sukhtankar, National Restaurant Association of India Goa chapter head, emphasizes the need for the government to address regulatory hurdles, enhance infrastructure, and formulate tourism-centric policies. Challenges also include fines on two-wheeler rentals and a surge in unregistered vehicles affecting road safety.

Samarth Kholkar, CEO of BLive, notes the crackdown on illegal vehicles and the Goa government’s plan to mandate electric vehicles for new rent-a-bike services from 2024. This move aims to enhance vehicle management and reduce accidents.

Amid these challenges, competition from international destinations poses a new threat to Goa’s tourism. Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia, offering visa-free travel, divert attention from Goa. Sandeep Arora, director of Brightsun Travel, notes the decreasing attractiveness of Goa compared to destinations like Bali.

Despite these challenges, Goa remains a favorite beach destination, especially among the Gen-Z cohort. Chandrashekhar Parab, co-owner of Circle and Hermiting Hospitality, mentions better occupancy than last year, with the upcoming Sunburn festival drawing crowds.

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