Goa: Casinos, Pubs And Cruise Ships to Remain Shut; Hotel Industry Urge For Tax Rebate

The iconic casinos, pubs, and cruise ships of Goa, one of India’s biggest tourist places, will remain shut during Unlock 4.0. The hoteliers and all those who depend on tourism are worried about their future as the key attractions of the beach city will remain closed for tourists.

Shrinivas Nayak, the owner of the ‘Pride Casino’ and a five-star hotel in Goa, said that the tourists will not come to the city to spend time in their hotel rooms.

“With all indoor entertainment activities are closed, the tourists will find it hard to spend time here. Why would anybody fly from Delhi to Goa to spend the evening watching TV in the hotel room? The casinos and cruise ships are the icons of Goa,” said Nayak.

The hotel industry suffered a massive blow during the consecutive lockdowns and the hoteliers are now hoping that the government will provide tax rebates to help the industry cope with the situation.

“It’s not like the government allows and tourists will start pouring in. The process will take time. To help the hotel and tourism sector, the government must provide a rebate in taxes,” Nayak said.

Some of the hotels that started functioning after relaxation last month have been able to reach an occupancy of merely 10-15 percent.

Praveen Vashist, Director Operations, The Park, Baga River, said: “We are following all kinds of precautions for the guests. Last month there was occupancy of 10-15 percent and this month it is likely to cross 25 percent. We hope that the government eases the traveling restrictions and allows the bars to open so that more tourists can come to Goa.”

The tourists who are reaching Goa through flights have currently three options: whether they produce a Covid-19 negative certificate of test done not before 48 hours or opt for a 14-day home quarantine or undergo a paid rapid coronavirus test.

The director of Goa Airport Gagan Malik said the airport has enough staff to handle the influx of tourists after unlock 4.0.

“Currently, we can handle more flights than what we are handling now following all the protocols of COVID 19. We have taken all measures for a no-contact facility for flyers. There is a smooth sail for tourists out of the airport after opting either of the three options,” said Malik.

Goa’s beaches are, however, vacant with minimal tourists and all related-businesses are currently facing a nosedive.

(Source: India Today, Not edited by travelobiz staff)

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