THE Russian deluge continues unabated in Goa, with the soon-to-be-implemented visa on arrival (VoA) for the market hailed as a big advantage for the beach destination.
The destination received 119,447 arrivals between October 2013 and January 2014 alone, putting it on track to surpass last year’s 157,605 visitors between October 2012 and March 2013.
According to Goa Tourism, which promoted the destination at Moscow International Travel & Tourism Exhibition, international tourist arrivals rose by 9.3 per cent in 2013. Russians took the lion’s share of arrivals, with 30 per cent being repeat visitors.
Konstantin Gorin, tourism director, Moscow-based Labirint Travel Company, pointed out that Goa currently loses out to Thailand because the latter allows for visa-free entry. “India has recently included Russia for the VoA scheme, but the mechanism will be implemented later this year. If it works smoothly, it will be a big advantage for Goa as a destination.”
Ekaterina Belyakova, head, Russian Information Centre, Goa, said: “The new (VoA regulations) will be an important factor in the growth of Goa’s potential as one of the key destinations for Russian tourists in Asia. The efforts by Goa Tourism to develop infrastructure will have a positive effect on the growth of tourist flow and increase the percentage of tourists returning to Goa next year. Russian (arrivals) will be one million in five years.”
Rita Dhanwatay, director, Ritz Safari Pune also commented that Goa has to improve service standards to compete successfully against Thailand and Singapore. “Tourists flying longhaul want quality and seamless entry. They will go wherever it is easier and more comfortable to go to. Goa is beautiful but must add value to its intrinsic attractiveness.”
Meanwhile, Francisco de Braganca, president, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa, said Goa should look eastward to East Asian and South-east Asian countries as prime source markets for marketing. “Travel from the West is shrinking.
