You are here: Home > Mumbai > 'Goa is fast going the Kashmir way'

Travel agents cite rising crime rate in the popular tourist destination for the consistent fall in international and domestic tourist inflow

Following a spate of crimes against women in Goa, travel agents in Mumbai feel that the paradise beach state will soon drop off the charts of tourist destinations.

The Scarlett Keeling murder and now the alleged rape of a nine-year-old Russian girl at Arambol Beach has raised serious doubts over safety issues at the popular tourist spot.

To add to their woes, the Russian government has threatened to issue a travel advisory asking its citizens to keep away from Goa.

The foreign tourist influx has been on a consistent decline in Goa

Dwindling numbers

While 82,515 foreign visitors came to Goa (in 2007) by chartered and scheduled flights between September and December, in 2008, the number dropped to 71,918 in the corresponding period a 13 per cent drop.

While in 2009, a further drop of 10-15 per cent was seen in the tourist inflow.

"Goa is no more tagged as the preferred destination nor is it considered to be safe by the masses.

Bold pictures and no set of laws on drinking for people has made it a far more unsecured city for the domestic and the international tourists.

After the rise in the number of criminal cases in Goa, the tourist arrivals have dropped by 10 per cent," explained Iqbal Mulla, chairman, Treasure Tours and Travel.

Pradip Lulla, president of Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), echoed Mulla's sentiments.

"We are getting enquiries from domestic tourists asking whether Goa is good for school or family picnic. The craze for Goa is deteriorating," added Lulla.

A travel agent, on condition of anonymity, said, "After Jammu and Kashmir, Goa will be the second tourist destination that will lose its sheen over security concerns.

It may have scenic beauty but the rising crime rate has deterred the spirits of tourists."