By Vishakha Talreja
The memes on Instagram and Twitter will inform you how Goa has emerged as the most well-known location amongst domestic travelers ever given that the ban on travel was lifted post lockdown. The location, as soon as perceived as a hotspot for Russian vacationers, wild parties and hippies is witnessing a gradual makeover and has emerged as preferred location for households amid the pandemic.
Hotels of course are not complaining. Not only is this assisting them get improved occupancies but also has bumped up revenues as households have a tendency to devote more time at the hotel and on F&B. Meanwhile area prices also are crawling back to pre-pandemic typical. Every year about two lakh foreign vacationers come to Goa on chartered flights. This year even although this chunk has been missing, hotels clocked occupancies of 70 per cent in November to January period.
“We are seeing huge family groups driving down to Goa. About 35 per cent of our guests are from Maharashtra and Bangalore now who are taking drivecations to the beach destination. So there are groups coming with kids, grandparents and house helps too,” explains Ranju Singh, Complex General manager of Novotel Goa Candolim and Novotel Goa Resort & Spa. Looking at the increasing quantity of young guests, Novotel Candolim has added enjoyable slides to kids’ swimming pool providing them a mini water park expertise, nonetheless is waiting for government permission to operate.
Similarly DoubleTree By Hilton in Panaji is supplying activities for children and households seeing a surge in bookings from family members groups. “The fourth quarter has been a remarkably strong period. Domestic travel is rebounding and the lockdown fatigue has led to many families booking holidays to safe hotels. We have curated itineraries that include immersive experiences for families, especially kids,” says Melville John, General Manager, DoubleTree By Hilton Goa- Panaji.
Hyatt Hotels which runs 3 properties in Goa- Hyatt Centric Goa, Grand Hyatt Goa and Alila Diwa Goa- has witnessed a related trend. “The destination has surely seen a strong demand from domestic travelers, especially from families looking at celebrating a birthday or anniversary away from home, and also from professionals who want break from work from home. Before the pandemic, international travellers approximately contributed up to 35 percent at 5-star hotels in Goa. The gap is obviously there as foreign travel remains restricted, but an increased demand from large family groups is helping hotels recover,” mentioned Jaco Le Roux, Area Vice President, South India, Hyatt Hotels. Alila Diwa Goa gives a mini theatre projecting animated films for the children in the afternoon, when Grand Hyatt Goa has an adventure park for children.
ITC Grand Goa has noticed occupancies peak in December. The home is supplying ample activities to children and adults to devote time outdoors on the beach. Anil Chadha, COO of ITC Hotels points at busier days ahead for hotels. “The vaccine brings good joy and is helping decrease the anxiety among travelers. So we are moving in the right direction. We have reason to be optimistic about the future,” he says.
Goa for confident has emerged as a year-round location for family members vacationers.
(Vishakha Talreja is a Delhi-based Travel, Food and Lifestyle Writer. Views expressed are private and do not reflect the position or police of the TheSpuzz Online.)