Goa Tourism Faces Decline As Taxi Mafia And Rising Costs Deter Tourists

Travel and leisure in Goa, which once attracted both domestic and foreign visitors in considerable numbers, as felt recently, seems to be declining for some reasons. A chip report by CEIC Data stated that foreign tourism to the state is yet to bounce back to the figures attained prior to Covid virus. Some figures stood out in the report such as one about the number of foreign tourists visiting Goa in 2023 that was 1.5 million compared to 8.5 million in 2019.

Goa Tourism Faces Decline As Taxi Mafia And Rising Costs Deter Tourists

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As per the reports, this vacation spot however remains in vogue primarily because the tourists from countries like Russia and Great Britain which used to be consistent haven visitors have now shifted to places like Sri Lanka as opposed to Goa.

After the report went viral, many people took to social media platforms to share their bad experiences, the so-called ‘Goa taxi mafia’ being a repeated occurrence. Tourists said that they were overcharged and bullied by taxi drivers, many of whom claimed that they had been attacked or threatened by other drivers for giving rides to rated foreigners. "Goa is finished all because of the partnership between the local taxi mafia and the local government," one user posted. The local authorities and taxi unions have banned the operation of ride-hailing services such as Ola and Uber that taxi drivers have abused.

An X user mentioned in his experience that he was surrounded by over ten taxi drivers after he tried to pick up a German tourist from a famous beach, where everybody attempted to charge him unfair rates for a short distance ride. Another user, who recollected the events provided by the first user, remembered the case with a taxi driver who threatened to dent a car if the tourist was not let off.

The costs and inconveniences of holidaying in Goa have compelled even the Indian tourists to seek other options, as Southeast Asia and other regions are becoming more and more preferable. Reports further suggest that such places, especially Thailand which has already declared visa-free for Indians and other countries with cheaper travel costs and better infrastructure such as Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand are becoming more preferred. It appears that Goa which was a class tourist destination in the past, will further decline as more and more regions present themselves as competition.