A large number of domestic tourists have arrived in Goa to be part of the colorful Carnival festivities, which formally commenced with a float parade flagged off by King Momo in Panaji on Saturday. Carnival celebrations are being held after a gap of two years.

The rise in tourist footfalls has also come as a boon to the hotel industry with a majority of hotels boasting over 80% occupancy and some even operating at full capacity.

“Apart from Carnival festivities, it is also a long weekend with Mahashivratri on Tuesday and thus, there has been a big rise in footfalls,” Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) president Nilesh Shah told TOI. He said most starred and non-starred hotels are at over 80% occupancy.

Shah said this good run is expected to continue into March with it being the wedding season. “ I have checked with several hotels and they are fully booked for the next month as well,” he said.

Shack owners are also overjoyed at the upswing in business.
On the flip side however, with Covid taking a downturn, many of those at the Panaji Carnival were seen violating Covid SOPs. Most were, in fact, without a mask.

“Not just the government, people too should think about curbing the pandemic. We must exercise caution as it is not only about getting infected, but also transmitting the virus to others,” a tourist, Harish, said.

While batting for responsible tourism, another visitor said he hoped that those visiting Goa are fully vaccinated with both vaccine doses.

“We have come here to enjoy. Due to Omicron, I did not expect to have so much fun on this trip, but with the marked decline in Covid cases, we feel safe,” a tourist from Telengana, Ankita, said.

Source: Times of India (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/hotels-nearly-full-after-tourist-influx/articleshow/89858733.cms)