Egyptian crisis: A silver lining for Goa tourism

The recent air crash in Egypt and the resultant suspension and cancellation of flights from Europe and Russia to that country is proving good for Goa.

This year, the number of charter flights expected in Goa is little over 630, which is the lowest in five years. But, now tour operators are hopeful that Goa will receive additional visitors from Russia and Europe.

Russia and Britain are top inbound travel source markets for Egypt. These two countries are the biggest markets for Goa too accounting for around 60 per cent of foreign tourist arrivals in the state.

"Russian charter operator Royal Airlines will be operating extra flights from Moscow to Goa from November 19 to November-end. We expect additional flights in December too as Russians look for alternate destinations. We are in discussions with tour operators in Russia," said Bharat Atree, managing director of Caper Travels.

"The problems in Egypt provides an opportunity to Goa but our companies will have to step up marketing, as European and Russian tourists have option of visiting lower priced destinations such as Thailand or Sri Lanka," said Subhash Goyal, chairperson of Stic Travels.

"We can expect a revival in demand for Goa," added Betty Remedios, sales and marketing head of Grand Hyatt, Goa.

The charter season in Goa runs from October to May. The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has given an approval for over 632 charter flights from Russia, Britain and Finland this year.

Based on approvals granted till October, 28 per cent decline is seen in charter flights over last year's numbers. In the last winter season, Goa received 889 charter flights.

This year's figures are also the lowest since 2009-10 and the downturn in Russian economy has led to cancellation of trips and fewer flights to the state.

Russia has become a major source market for Goa in the last five years.

Before the Egypt air crash, Francisco de Braganca, president of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa, had estimated 20-25 per cent decline in foreign tourist arrivals in Goa this winter because of slowdown in Russian market.

Charter operators Monarch Airlines (Britain) and Nordwind (Russia) are not operating flights to Goa this year and Transaero a scheduled airline from Russia which operates seasonal flights to Goa shut down in October adding to the woes.

Orenair will also be operating 20-30 charter flights from Moscow in December and these flights are not included in 632 flights approved by the AAI.

Tour operators, however, feel growth in the domestic market could offset for the decline in foreign tourists.