Goa feels impact of Mumbai attack
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The tourism industry of India’s Goa - a favourite destination among foreigners - is worried that its coming season may hit a dead end following the terror attacks in Mumbai, even as global meltdown has begun to take a toll on the sector.
“The Mumbai attack will naturally have its impact on Goa’s tourism,” Goa Tourism Director Elvis Gomes was quoted saying in a Times of India report.
Goa has already seen a 20% drop in arrivals beginning October. The crisis in Mumbai would add to the woes of this industry, which has already cut down its room tariffs, the report said.
Goa Chief Minister, Digamber Kamat, and State Home Minister, Ravi Naik, had appealed to tourists not to worry. “All the precautionary steps are in place,” Kamat had stated.
The report said despite assurances, industry players are wondering about the oncoming season, which usually sees a rush for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) has said that the tragedy would cause a drop in the FIT category of travellers.
“FIT tourists arrive in India through different flights, travel around India and then use Mumbai as the point to enter Goa. Of the total foreign travellers, 50% are FIT,” TTAG President Ralf de Souza was quoted saying.
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