Goa's tourism USP is its people, its food, unforgettable memories

Goa’s tourism journey can be measured in many ways, but the best comes from the eye of the beholder. Visitors who first came 35 years ago and continue to come, tell a story difficult to ignore.

Adam Fletcher first came 25 years back, and his experiences have a fairy-tale quality of what he has learnt, is learning and willing to share with those planning their first trip.

Fletcher writes: “Do you go back to Goa because you love it or because it is cheap?”

And replies, “Having been going for over 25 years. For me, it is the people, friends and memories I have made over the years. Yes I know it is not what it was back then, and prices have gone up, but still can’t wait to be back.”

This statement, according to travel executive, Carolyn, is a signature response of those who had come and are still coming because, “that was the mindset of a local then”.

“We (Goans) are with time, and often, it appears the change is not for the best. We have to stumble, but will get up quickly because we cannot let the ball roll out of our grip,” she asserts.

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“The industry needs to change to accommodate those who are coming. We cannot be choosy. We need to be accommodative and accept all with the same kinship that our ancestors did,” reflects Mivon.

“Don’t think it’s to get there anymore, but we go back because we love the people, the food, and the friends we meet every year. Been going since 1994,” shares Wilma Baird, also from the UK.

“First time in 1979 and still going,” says Neil Hedge, whose remark reflects the enthusiasm that most who come with take back.

“is undergoing a relapse of the early trends. What we saw after the Covid-19 Pandemic was a kneejerk reaction to survival. It was a 'now or never' situation and that explains the number of visitors,” reasons general manager of Trail Blazers Tours, Orlando Nunes.

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“We are getting foreign and Indian clients, but we are yet to come to terms with how to deal with Indian tourists. There was a time when we said they were better than , but the frame has now changed,” he acknowledges. “Time is the best healer,” he quickly adds.

An Indian publication recently stated that in "2019 India got about 9,60,000 domestic and foreign tourists. In 2023, 4,60,000 had arrived in India. Yes, less than half," writes Jonah Avo.

“The reasons as reported,” he goes on to scribble, “are the taxi mafia, excluding Uber and the like. Opportunism by proprietors of bars and restaurants putting up prices too much and the lack of visa on arrival as in the case with Vietnam (45 days on arrival for ). I’m in Vietnam at the moment. Excellent value it is, too.”

Asian countries are opening up and others will follow the Vietnamese way, but will those who have visited Goa ever forget their holidays here?

Asian countries are opening up and others will follow the Vietnamese way, but will those who have visited Goa ever forget their holidays here?

Jimmy Pop explains this best saying: “Just had a lovely meal in Redonda tonight. Great service and very attentive waiters. I couldn’t help but notice the taxis lined up outside, the same taxis were there for well over one hour with people approaching them and enquiring for a ride."

"After my , I couldn’t help myself, but approach the chin waging to the lead car. I asked them how they make money when you sit around for over an hour doing nothing," says Jimmy.

"I told them they have refused numerous customers but have decided to stay here earning nothing. I won’t go into details, but they knew better. Idiots of the first degree. If there are any taxi drivers reading this, tell them empty cars make no .”

Wisdom flows from all directions and it sticks when we care to listen.