Even as Goa witnesses a rush of domestic tourists since last month, the picture has been rosy for starred as well as smaller hotels, with most running at 80% occupancy. After the first wave of the pandemic last year, it was a matter of survival to them. On offer were attractive packages and discounts as […]
Green light for charters gives hope for Goa’s tourism sector
Goa’s sluggish hospitality industry is awash with relief following the Union ministry of home affairs’ (MHA) Thursday announcement that it would begin granting fresh tourists visas to foreigners visiting India through chartered flights from October 15.The sunshine state contributes about 92% of India’s charter business as it receives 2-2.5 lakh charter tourists annually. Over the […]
Tourism policy shifts focus to Goa’s culture, heritage
Goa’s hospitality industry though rides on coastal tourism and casinos have hogged the limelight in the last few years, Goa tourism policy 2020 aims to change that perception by promoting eco-tourism, cultural and heritage tourism. The policy talks about encouraging tourists to visit villages and explore the traditional Goan houses. The yet-to-be-formed Goa tourism board […]
Goa in most booked leisure destinations among Indians
Jaipur and Goa have emerged as the top booked leisure destinations as several states have eased COVID-19 related restrictions for travellers to boost the tourism and hospitality sector, as per a report. In India, Goa, Jaipur, Manali, Ooty and Mysore are the top-ranked leisure destinations among domestic travellers, according to Indian hospitality startup OYO’s Unlocking […]
Inside Goa’s first alcohol museum
“If these glasses could speak, the history of Goa could be told,” explains Nandan Kudchadkar, the founder of Goa’s—and perhaps India’s—first museum dedicated to alcohol. Spread across 13,000sqft in Goa’s Candolim, the museum, All About Alcohol houses bottles and glasses that date back to the 15th and 16th century as well as ancient manufacturing and […]
As cases drop, hotels reopen, occupancy to pick up in August
Although Goa’s Covid-19 positivity rate has fallen below five per cent, the state’s hospitality industry is yet to get respite. Occupancy in the few hotels that have reopened so far — after the government permitted entry to fully vaccinated business travellers without a Covid-negative report — ranges between seven and 12 per cent only. The […]
South Goa : Hidden Sights & Sounds – Vol 1
North Goa is well known for its nightlife and generally, travelers from big cities tend to gravitate towards this aspect. On the flip side, the South of Goa is where you’ll discover the quintessential laid-back Goan vacation you’ve heard about, epitomized by quiet villages, verdant rice paddy fields, grand coconut groves, and gorgeous white sand […]
Dona Paula Jetty – Panaji’s Iconic Destination
Any tourist travelling to Goa has Dona Paula on their list of must see locations. Lying just 5kms from Panaji, the capital city of Goa, Dona Paula is home to the National Institute of Oceanography – India, the Governor’s Palace – Cabo Raj, Goa University and a plethora of beautiful hotels and resorts catering to […]
Betalbatim – The getaway of South Goa
The Betalbatim Beach, located in the South of Goa, is probably one of the most understated beaches in Goa. With its pristine sand, quiet ambience and great location it has retained its original ‘Goenkar’ identity all along. Although it lies very close to the Colva beach – the more popular destination with tourists, the beach […]
Back to nature – South Goan Style
The River Sal is the life blood of the South of Goa, and runs from Cavelossim to Betul while passing through multiple scenic South Goan villages. Its backwaters are among the lesser known treasures of Goa. These are riddled with all manner of birds, ranging from the regal Kingfisher, the Heron to the Water Fowl. […]