Tide of tourists springs hope of profitable season in Goa

The Russians have come, the Poles will be here soon, and in about a fortnight or so, the English are expected to land, and the Goa Tourism wheel of 2024-2025 will be spinning fast.

“We will still be hosting weddings, but there has been a shift in accommodating tourists, with many travel agencies able to lure foreign tourists back,” says Agni, a travel associate with a luxury resort.

"Unlike, last year, more rooms have been made available, and this change will percolate down to the locals,” he informs.

The tourists who have been visiting Vagator and for the past few years have landed, and locals in the business of renting out rooms have started getting rid of the cobwebs.

“My guest, who has been coming for years, has arrived and she will be here for a few months. In another few days, another old guest is expected. My rooms are all full,” says a beaming Anita as she sweeps her compound.

COLOURS OF NATURE: Gorgeous skylines are a USP of Goa.

Despite a number of hotels, Anjuna and have, for years, been providing rooms and even houses at nominal rates to international tourists, though many hesitate to rent to domestic tourists.

“I let my place out to a guest from North India, but he left it messy. I get my place back in better condition after leasing it out to foreigners, and there are no problems with payments either, as they are very punctual,” she adds.

If FITs have started landing in the , they can be seen in the South, too, with Jane and her partner going around wishing friends made during their last visit to Goa.

“We are back after two years, and it feels great to meet everyone again. We spent the afternoon on the beach and have come to the market to stock up. Being in Goa feels special and different,” she admits.

CALL OF NATURE: Shacks with washrooms make them much more comfortable and appealing for guests.

In the South, most FITs opt to stay in Agonda and , and as Whithall says, “Far away from the crowd into loneliness. I do not mean the local crowd, but the mad workspace I endure at home,” he explains.

As October comes to an end, November is the next platform that opens the season to a different colour – a mix of white, brown and black that brings a happy homogeneity.

“We are expecting a big rush of Indians during the holidays and also a number of foreigners. Occupancy is expected to be good and flight tickets have already soared,” admits travel agent Franco.

A return ticket from New Delhi to Goa costs around Rs 9,000 and costs are surging as the peak season approaches.

“In November, Goa is going to play host to two bike events in Vagator, and you can expect the prices to hit the skies,” foresees a travel agent.

GO WITH THE FLOW: Boats wait to ferry guests through the hinterland.

“Fortunately, a lot of guests are planning in advance, and that helps them book tickets in advance. It is going to be the late decision-makers who will have to pay extra as the price war escalates,” admits the agent.

The beaches, in the meanwhile are seeing a tide of tourists from India and abroad. Though the rush is not intense in the morning, the sees a different kiss on the shores, and it is this kiss that is set to leave footprints of the new season.