Mark Mendes, a senior tourism expert and member of State Level Tourism Marketing Committee, said the number of tourists might remain same on paper due to ongoing exposition of relics of St Francis Xavier, but those actually turning up for parties may be less.
“There will be a drop by almost 12 per cent in arrivals from Russia. Anybody related to beach tourism will be affected this year,” he said.
Mendes, who is working in close coordination with the State Tourism department, said they had foreseen this scenario which prompted the department to run promotional campaigns in countries like Japan, Korea, France and Switzerland.
Attempts were made to activate new markets, he said adding research indicates that travellers from these countries have started showing interest in visiting Goa.
The state tourism department has put a brave face claiming that the tourist season is doing fairly well.
“Goa is the place to be in for New Year 2015,” commented Director of Tourism, Amey Abhyankar. The season has been faring well and we recently had a record 13.5 per cent increase in tourist arrivals for October month, he stated.
