Apprehending a dip in the number of tourists in Goa due to the terror attacks in Mumbai, Chief Minister of Goa, Digambar Kamat and Home Minister of Goa Ravi Naik, made a joint appeal to its visitors insisting that all steps were being taken to ensure their safety. “There is no need to panic in the light of the terror strikes in Mumbai. We are taking all steps possible to ensure the safety of the tourists,” said Kamat. The Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), an agency of tourism industry stakeholders, said that the situation was disconcerting. “We are concerned about the situation and are expecting a drop in the tourist arrivals,” said Ernest Dias, Vice President, TTAG.
Gaurish Dhond, Spokesperson, Goa Hoteliers and Restaurant Owners Association (GHROA) stated, “The occupancy was already down by nearly 20 per cent as compared to last year as the five-star hotels had already lowered their tariff, which had further affected our occupancy.” Further adding Elvis Gomes, Managing Director, Goa Tourism Development Corporation stressed that while one is still coping with the current recessionary trend, |