Goa has for long been an evergreen tourist destination for Indians and even foreign travelers. But all is not rosy in the land of Feni and Susegad.
A recent report by CEIC Data highlighted an alarming drop in foreign tourism to Goa, showing a drastic decline from 8.5 million visitors in 2019 to a mere 1.5 million in 2023. Even as Goa’s Department of Tourism shared figures of 450,000 foreign visitors in 2023, this stark discrepancy has ignited online debate. For many, the numbers reveal a deeper problem as it was once-thriving Goa which is no longer as attractive to tourists as it once was.
For ages, the saying “Let’s plan a Goa trip!” has been the ultimate wish of every friend group, with Bollywood and social media making Goa the go-to escape for anyone looking to unwind. The beach state became the dream destination for fun, freedom, and a break from daily life. Yet, today, Goa’s tourism story appears tarnished, with complaints of poor facilities, unfriendly hospitality, and tales of exploitation taking center stage.
Causes for the decline
Reports of harassment and a local ‘taxi mafia’ that charges high fares have left visitors frustrated. This is a notable aspect of Goa’s tourist struggles, with many pinpointing it as part of a larger problem.
Goa’s taxi services, which are exclusively run by local unions that have firmly resisted the entry of popular ride-hailing apps like Ola and Uber, charge an arm and a leg for travel. In 2014, taxi unions staged a protest, effectively pushing out these apps and restricting tourists to expensive local services.
Alternative destinations emerge
As frustrations grow, comparisons with destinations like Thailand and Vietnam have emerged. Indian tourists increasingly see Goa’s once-idyllic beaches as over-priced and less appealing than cheaper international alternatives in Southeast Asia, which offer superior infrastructure, smoother experiences, and more competitive prices.
The sentiment among domestic tourists is changing too. Once a dream destination for Indian youth, Goa has become a costly destination with limited choices. Thailand’s new visa-free policy for Indians is set to further widen the gap, tempting Indian tourists away from Goa. The growing popularity of alternatives like Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Malaysia could mean that the numbers of foreign tourists visiting our stores will soon decline.
These destinations allow for a tourist-friendly and budget-friendly experiences, thanks to efficient infrastructure, excellent connectivity, a variety of activities, and well-developed tourist facilities. With these locales offering better value, often at less than the cost of a Goa trip, it is little wonder to see Indians and foreign tourists flocking to them.
Social media is buzzing with comments comparing Goa’s tourism challenges to other locations. Once considered an unmissable destination, Goa is facing a reality check that many travelers feel was long overdue. There’s a consensus online that the industry cannot continue charging high prices for average experiences and still expect tourists to return in.
