Goa expecting to receive foreign tourists by October 2020

Goa Ports Minister Michael Lobo has told the press that foreign tourists would start arriving in the state by October. The statement was given by the Minister as booking slots for chartered flights have begun at the Dabolim Airport in Goa. Most of the reported bookings are being done by tourists from European countries, especially Russia.

Lobo told the press that considering the present situation of lockdown, under COVID-19 crisis in Goa, the state tourism sector needs six to eight months for regeneration and 12-14 months to reach the footfall it would receive even before the lockdown was imposed in the state. The minister also added that bars in Goa should also be allowed to run just like the restaurants.

Meanwhile, under the prevailing situation, Goa is not prepared to receive tourists from other parts of India at least until July. A lot of tourists in Goa come from Delhi and NCR but, because the flights from Delhi to Goa are suspended for now, Goa’s tourism business is deeply hit due to the paucity of tourists.
Reportedly, the hotel businesses in Goa, after mass firings during the lockdown, are struggling for survival in the absence of financial support. The industry has appealed to the government and sought permission to restart its operations now before it is too late.