Russia-Ukraine war spells doom on Goa tourism

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Due to indecision regarding charter flights visiting Goa in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war and visa problems, Goa tourism has aimed largely on domestic tourists, hoping for a revival.

The coastal state’s tourism sector is mainly reliant on the UK and Russia, and some parts of Europe. Goa is facing problems this season for attracting tourists from these countries because of the war in Europe and visa related concerns with the UK.

In 2019, approximately 71,27,000 domestic tourists visited Goa, with 9,31,000 of them coming from abroad. However, this number declined in 2020 and 2021 with the Covid pandemic hitting the coastal state. This number dropped further to only 3 lakh domestic tourists and 32,000 foreign tourists.

Around 80,000 to 90,000 people from Russia visit Goa for vacations each year, and around 50,000 people from the UK also favor Goa. With the Covid pandemic descending and Goa hoping for high-spending foreign tourists to visit the state, the war between Russia and Ukraine has ruined all expectations.

Goa airport sources have said that some flights from Russia scheduled for October have been canceled. However, there is hope that things will pick up from November.

Nilesh Shah, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) President said that because of the war between Russia and Ukraine, bookings have dropped considerably, with a lot of cancelations.

« Back to Page

• Goa Tourism and Mastercard Team Up to Revolutionize Travel with Priceless Experiences

• Agoda Partners with Goa Tourism to Showcase the Vibrant Attractions of Goa to Global Travelers

• A Trip To Remember: Shigmotsav Festival, The Jewel In Goa’s Tourism Crown

• Leisure Hotels Group Unveils Bedzzz Xclusiv in Goa: A New Era of ‘Sociotel’ Hospitality

• Goa Tourism showcases the state as a premier destination at SATTE 2024