Iran's plans to shut Hormuz Strait casts shadow on Goa tourism

With Iran threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz, cruise liners that had started docking at the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA), with a stutter after the COVID-19 pandemic, may halt or numbers trickle down as navigating Indian waterways could be difficult for international liners.

“The problem was bad after attacks by Houthi groups in the Suez Canal. Cruise liners that used the canal to reach India did so hesitantly, and hence, the number of liners to Goa was low last season,” stated a ground handler.

Green, serene South Goa seduces moneyed travellers

Cruise liners docking at the Mormugao PortAuthority in Goa added fillip to the tourism basket and the tourism industry; and those involved in transportation, entertainment, catering and guiding, especially profited.

Some ships docked just for a day, whilst others for two days, and the logistics of handling ships blew the financial balloon of tourism stakeholders, because apart from sightseeing, many cruisetravellers went shopping.

DOMESTIC BLISS: Chapora Street has now become a hub of tourists from across India.

With Iran now threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz, cruising to India is going to be more expensive. “War is always a problem,” says Vernon, who represents a travel agency.

"The tourismindustry felt the first tremors when Russia and the Ukraine failed to see eye-to-eye. It did not directly affect our market, but it did slow down the movement. If we were expecting 100 visitors, we got 90,” he adds.

With Goa on their minds, Britishers plan their holidays

The war in the Gulf will have other effects, too. “It is not just about passenger liners, but with the Strait of Hormuz closing, oil prices may shoot up, and that will lead to an increase in air fares. Tourists are already complaining about expensive air tickets. If they get costlier, a dip (in tourists) can be expected,” reasoned Vernon.

“An increase in oil prices has a steam rolling effect on the world economy. Prices in all sectors shoot up, and that keeps people at home. The ripple effect is felt by tourism,” observes economist, Nehal.

Post the pandemic, travel was termed as 'experiential travel' or 'revenge tourism'. Whatever it was called, after a few hiccups, the numbers began to pick up in Goa, with domestic tourists leading the way.

Post the pandemic, travel was termed as 'experiential travel' or 'revenge tourism'. Whatever it was called, after a few hiccups, the numbers began to pick up in Goa, with domestic tourists leading the way, and the foreign tourists coming in bigger numbers in the 2024-25 season.

The expected trouble in the waters, or in the sky, has neither drowned nor bombed the expectations of tourism stakeholders in Goa, but caution is the new buzzword with many keeping their fingers crossed.

Noisy North versus serene South, the choice is yours

Couples still come to Goa and so do families, as the air of merriment overplays the tensionsthat are throwing towels of concern around. “If things go out of hand, tourism in Goa will have to, once again, depend on domestic tourists,” affirms Roland, who manages a hotel.

“We did not make buckets of money, but things were not as bad in Goa as in other states of the country because the tourism industry was the first to open up after the clampdown,” reasons Roland.

The expected trouble in the waters, or in the sky, has neither drowned nor bombed the expectations of tourism stakeholders in Goa, but caution is the new buzzword with many keeping their fingers crossed.

Many in the (tourism) industry, after the bite of the pandemic, have turned positive rather than pessimistic.

“I believe in God. Prayer is the best solution, and if we all do it together, the smiles will continue once the season starts in October,” mused homestay owner, Roberto.

“Mankind invented the atomic bomb, but no mouse would ever construct a mouse trap,” the words of Albert Einstein come to mind as the tourism industry hopes for the best to be on a continuous roll during the forthcoming season.