The MOPA Effect: Tourism-related biz in South Goa records 15-20 percent slump this year compared to North Goa

MARGAO: Tourism-related businesses in South Goa including water sports, tourists taxis, shacks, hotels, restaurants, pubs and discotheques have noted a 15 to 20 percent slump in business (North versus South Goa statistics) this year as compared to the average over the last 10 years, the Economy and Environment Think Thank – Centre For Promoting Indian Economy (CPIE India) has said, based on a survey of about 200 establishments in North and South Goa, over three months, December 2023 to February 2024.

According to CPIE India, except for December, the drop in tourism-related business in South Goa is noticeable and can be attributed to the changes in travel patterns of tourists, particularly those from North India who make up a huge chunk of domestic tourists to Goa.

Prof Sushant Joshi who has also authored a report on the pollution in the river Sal for the CPIE India, said the main reason is the competition from the MOPA airport, which is restraining tourists to stay within the North Goa area and more and more tourists are not venturing out to the South as they find it very expensive to travel back to the MOPA airport from South Goa. In fact, Prof Joshi noted that the cost of travel for a couple (two persons) from Palolem in South Goa to the MOPA airport is sometimes more expensive than the flight tickets itself.

According to Prof. Joshi, tourists who come into Goa via the MOPA airport and have to return back via MOPA again do not venture out to South Goa. Earlier, the situation was different as the Dabolim airport was mid-way and as traveling from Benaulim to Dabolim is not as expensive as travelling from Benaulim to MOPA.

“According to a rough estimate based on predictive modeling, we find that about 20 percent of domestic tourists who would have also visited locations in South Goa, have restricted themselves to the North, as their arrivals and departures were from the MOPA airport,” Joshi explained, adding that this trend will grow as airlines shift their operations to the new airport.

“Next year it may be 25 percent and in 2026, it may be 30 percent, unless the South (South Goa) ramps up its tourists attractions and ensures a cheaper transport system from the North to South. In fact, hotels in South Goa should combine forces and offer tourists private luxury bus shuttle services at reasonable rates to and from MOPA airport to South Goa. This will help reduce the cost of travel and draw hordes of tourists to the Southern part of Goa,” Joshi said.

South Goa social worker Warren Alemao

According to Social Worker and Youth activist from Benaulim in South Goa, Warren Alemao, tourists who come to Goa via the MOPA airport prefer to stay and travel to spots in the North Goa area only as they have to return back via MOPA. The same applies to foreign tourists. More and more tourists are confining their itinerary to North Goa as any way there are a lot of tourist and entertainment options available in the North. Earlier, tourists who wanted privacy, peace and quiet would travel to South Goa for a few days (or weeks) and also visit North Goa to enjoy the nightlife and fun.

“The situation has changed drastically this year and will go downhill as more and more airlines shift out their operations to the MOPA airport,” Prof. Joshi opines.

He is seconded by Warren Alemao who agrees that tourism-related businesses in South Goa could take a bit hit if more airlines shift permanently to the North. Warren, who has worked extensively supporting self-help groups (SHG) in villages in South Goa says there is a noticeable impact even in the village economy due to the reduced business in the region.

“Right now only 2-3 airlines have shifted their base to MOPA. However, if more of them shift, businesses in South Goa will have to shut down,” Warren says, adding that there should be an embargo on airlines shifting to MOPA, unless there is substantial increase in air traffic to sustain businesses at both airports.

“Yes there will be a greater increase in air traffic and arrivals and departures over the years, but that is still about 3-5 years away. For the next 2-3 or 5 years, businesses in South Goa will have to be prepared to lose business, till the tide turns and airline arrivals increase with the overall increase in traffic volumes,” Joshi explains.