Rise in airfare, food cost, taxi fare causing tourist footfall drop: Godinho

Staff Reporter

Margao

Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Friday raised concerns over the declining number of tourists visiting the state, attributing the trend to the overpricing of airline tickets, restaurant meals, local cuisine, taxi fares and other amenities.

Speaking at the three-day Spirit of Goa Festival 2025, organised by the Department of Tourism which got underway in Colva, Godinho said that exorbitant pricing is causing visitors to look for an alternate destination to enjoy their holidays.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by the tourism industry, Godinho assured that the government is aware of the problem and is actively working to find solutions. Godinho said that the tourism department has already taken action against overpricing in beach shacks and other eateries, as part of a broader effort to improve the experience for visitors. “We are seized of the matter and will soon find a solution to ensure that tourists are not taken for a ride,”
he asserted.

Highlighting the state’s rich cultural heritage and unique history, Godinho said, “Goa remains the most preferred tourist destination above all and none can fill its place, given its blend of culture and history.”

He said that app-based taxi operations in the state are highly essential and the taxi operators are given an option to select their own app if at all they are not keen in taking up the government
introduced apps.

“We require app-based taxi services. This will bring uniformity in ferrying the tourists,” he added while addressing the gathered crowd at the festival.

Godinho, however, expressed optimism for the future adding, “There is still scope for improvement. With corrective measures and better regulation, we can increase the number of tourists visiting Goa.”

Godinho said alcohol industries are also improving in the state of Goa. However, later responding to the media query as to why the government is promoting alcohol, when alcohol-related crime is increasing, he said that although some tourists may overindulge and misbehave, such incidents are not typical among Goan citizens. “Goans do not resort to misbehavior after consuming alcohol, unlike some outsiders,” Godinho said.

Margao legislator Digambar Kamat, Benaulim legislator Venzy Viegas and officials of the Tourism Department were present.