Key Points
- Rajesh Sawhney visits Goa twice a year, once in the rainy season and once in winter.
- He enjoys Goa’s vibe, beaches, and cafes, feeling at home despite issues like the “taxi mafia.”
- There’s debate about declining foreign tourism due to high accommodation costs and taxi mafias.
- Tourism officials deny a drop in foreign visitors, pointing to an increase in overall arrivals.
- Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte highlights a rise in both domestic and international tourism since the pandemic.
Looma News
Investor Rajesh Sawhney, who regularly visits Goa, shared his love for the state despite some challenges. Sawhney visits Goa twice a year, once during the rainy season and again in winter, with the monsoon being his favorite time. He praised the state’s unique vibe, beautiful beaches, and lively cafes, saying each visit brings new experiences that make him feel right at home. Although he mentioned the issue of the “taxi mafia,” he pointed out that there are other options available, like renting bikes or hiring a Thar. Despite the criticisms of Goa’s tourism infrastructure, Sawhney’s love for the place remains strong.
The debate about Goa’s tourism continues, with concerns about the impact of taxi mafias, high accommodation costs, and a possible drop in foreign tourism. Some travelers and experts believe these issues are driving international visitors away. However, local tourism officials and businesses dispute this. Ricardo D’Souza, the owner of Club Tito, argued that the real issue is not a lack of interest in Goa but the challenges foreigners face with visa restrictions. He also mentioned how some tourists struggle to get visas and have even been harassed at airports.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte responded to claims that Goa is losing its appeal to foreign tourists. He pointed out that in 2023, Goa saw over 8.6 million visitors—higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Domestic tourism grew significantly, and although international arrivals were still lower than before, the numbers still showed a positive trend. Khaunte acknowledged that while tourism in Asia faces challenges as it recovers from the pandemic, Goa has seen a boost in overall demand. He attributed this growth to changing travel preferences as people explore new destinations after the global disruptions caused by COVID-19.
