'Is Goa really empty?': Viral post during New Year festivities sparks debate online, netizens call it...

A video showing unusually empty streets in Goa during the peak New Year season has gone viral, raising concerns about tourism in the region. Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj shared the video on X (formerly Twitter) and remarked, "Goa is almost empty. There are barely any tourists. It should be a wake-up call for the government. I hope they do something, especially about the transport."

Her post sparked a debate, with another X user, Shajan Samuel, contesting her claim. He replied, "False information. Goa is fully packed."

The video also prompted reactions from others on social media. One user commented, "I can’t believe this is Goa around New Year. Basically, people are going to Southeast Asian countries to get better value for money. Indian tourism, in a nutshell—disappointed." The same user highlighted how temple tourism thrives in India while many prefer international destinations for recreational trips.

Another person agreed, expressing hope that the situation would lead to improvements in Indian tourism. High airfares, inflated hotel prices, and expensive taxi rates were cited by several users as reasons why tourists might be avoiding Goa this season.

However, a contrasting view was reported by the Economic Times (ET) in November. Quoting Noesis, a prominent hotel investment and advisory firm, the report mentioned that Goa’s tourism is set for a strong year in 2024. Domestic arrivals are projected to surpass 8.5 million, and foreign visitors might reach pre-pandemic numbers, potentially crossing 500,000.

Goa's Minister for Tourism, Rohan A. Khaunte, also addressed concerns about tourism in the state. Speaking to ET, he expressed frustration over "unverified and false" claims about Goa’s tourist numbers circulating on social media. He assured that the government is taking steps to enhance the experience for visitors, including addressing issues related to local taxis and public transportation.

This mixed narrative highlights both the challenges and opportunities facing Goa’s tourism industry.