@ gramps
Just a little correction: Not all of the Scandinavian charters have pulled out, there is still one operator with one flight a week.

In fact I may probably like Goa even more now when there will be less tourists, maybe it will go back what it used to be five years ago?

There have been many changes in Goa over the last ten years or so, but I think the major change is not the influx of Russians ,Scandinavians or British but The Indians themselves.They are causing the drastic changes to Goa, masses of them arriving in buses from Mumbai , the buildings that are popping up everywhere to cater for them but of course no changes in the infrastructure.

They are the new, wealthy Indians but I don't think that they give to Goa the financial clout that the foreign tourists do.

Goa will be different next season, even quieter then last, and no doubt create many changes. Last season many bars,restaurants and hotels were empty and some will not be there next season.

I hope that this will make the Goans lift there game,improve their hotels etc and make Goa a better place to visit, but I think things will just roll along as usual.

We all want a better Goa but I will be there sometime next season as usual.

I agree with the last posters views re the local tourists. Ten or so years ago at sunset at the steps in Calangute there would been a small crowd of local tourists, there was one local trader with a home made charcoal brazier roasting peanuts at the bottom of the steps, and that was about it. Now thousands congregate there. The watersports, motor boats jetskis etc that have caused so much pollution, have mushroomed to supply this growing local market, one shack owner who I've known for years, and who has invested heavily in this, has admitted to me that this is where he now makes his money, his shack and foreign tourists are now of lesser interest to him. Over the next few years I would expect this trend to continue in Goa, with the foreign tour market continuing to shrink, and the local tourists continuing to grow to make up the shortfall. This growing market will suit the Goans as their demands are different, they are less likely to demand the standards that tourists from other parts of the world have come to expect, which will allow the Goan Goverment to continue to avoid the investment needed in the infrastructure, but just continue to sit back and watch the money roll in. Alan

I agree with Rokerender and gramps, Domestic tourists do far outnumber the Westeners, in the popular areas, and without them there would be no need for water sports.
My last visit was spent in Colva, because I like the local colour,but a short walk in either direction along the beach, took me to areas of peace and tranquility.
I still think that Goa has a lot to offer, not only the numerous beaches, all easily accessable, but the villages with their portugese villa's, churches and Hindu temples. There is something for most people, in areas of natural beauty. I know there are things that could be improved, and rubbish is a big problem as in other parts of India.
In the last five years I have noticed a trend in providing better, and more unusual types of accommodation, ie in restored potugese homes, small hotels, and luxurious villa's this is one example ----- http://www.cocoshambhala.com/villas/default.htm at the high end of the market.
But look around and IMHO
there is still something for every budget

x lassi

Your use of Thailand in comparison with Goa is very sensible, as they are both destinations that have brought the majority of their misfortunes upon themselves.
In times of almost unheard of economic recession, all holiday destinations are vulnerable as, by definition, holidays are not "essential". Long haul destinations, even if cheap once you are there, are perceived as being expensive, and anything east from the UK is going to involve a winter holiday which many still consider to be extreme luxury compared with the traditional UK "summer hols".
So back to Goa and Thailand. Thailand has done plenty to deter foreign tourists in recent times......demonstrators at the airport, shutting it down for days and stranding passengers, continuous demonstrations and agitation giving a sense of insecurity, and now the sight on BBC news of police and army firing live rounds into the crowds.
Goa's method of deterring foreigners is admittedly less dramatic, but no less effective. Visa problems (Thailand has just made its visas even easier!) garbage everywhere, unrealistic price increases, filth and squalor, the local obsession with cheating tourists whenever possible, poor quality hotels compared with other destinations.....some of these may have been just about acceptable when Goa was a dirt(sic)-cheap place, but it no longer is.
Many people on this, and other forums, have commented on the surly attitude and crazy prices brought on by this year's decline in tourist numbers. What on earth will they be like if tourism sees a more dramatic fall, as strongly forecast, next season?

I have found this thread very interesting with a wide range of views on the topic. We will be going back for 3 weeks over Xmas and new year for the 11th year. I agree with a lot of the comments, things have changed a lot over the 11 years but not always necessarily for the worse. When we first went out there we found we were eating mostly in hotels but now there are so many great places to eat that we can't manage to get round them all even in 3 weeks. One of the main reasons we go to Goa is for the fantastic food and such a variety. We did look at going to Thailand (in addition to Goa) but found the prices were much more expensive. I can't ever imagine we wouldn't go to Goa at some point in the year. We tend to jump in a taxi and go to the quiet beaches in the North and enjoy the restaurants in Baga, Calangute and Candolim in the evening - not forgetting the meet ups! Look forward to seeing you all at the end of the year.

Going to be an interesting season, as already said the influx of domestic tourists was very evident in March and I cannot see how people spending 3-4 days in Goa can help the tourism industry and in particular those who rely on tips to boost their wages. As we know Indians don`t really tip that well neither do the Ruskies, will the people who come to Goa from Karnataka start to get the message that there is not enough money to go round ? I doubt it.
Russia is having a tough time too I believe so there will be even less of them drinking their shop bought vodka in the shacks. Indians usually bring everything with them including the kitchen sink and order maybe 3 dishes between 6 of them (that is just how they are) . A very lean time for a lot of tourist realated businesses ahead I fear, most of us Brits who have been going for years have done all the trips so very rarely venture away from the coast, so for those who are going will tighten their belts a little more by doing this.
I`m off to Cuba or Aruba next year for my 20th Anniversary which is in May so Goa isn`t on the cards definately, I will be back to Goa hopefully one day but I`m quite excited about leaving my comfort zone and exploring more of this big wide world

Feelthevibe Aruba is a great place to visit, stopped of there a couple of times when we have been on a cruise. Gel

Great thread this.Fascinating reading.

Papa

Definately quieter - they have themselves to blame.

Well i wouldn't book to stay in Candolim because after the next monsoon Titanic will be scattered all over the beach.

as i have already said we coulndnt get to goa this year but still wanted a holiday before the summer school holidays so i have just got a great deal for two weeks a/i to cuba at the end of may. my sister has just come back from the same hotel and said it was brilliant.they have been to goa three times and this was their fifth to cuba,so it must have something going for it!

If the shack/restaurant owners thought it was tough last year, then they had better brace themselves for the coming season. The way things are looking at the moment this year could see the lowest number of foriegn visitors (not just brits) for a decade. Unfortunatley for the shack/restaurant owners,beach sellers ect, the majority of those who will be going this year will probably be repeat visitors and they are'nt easily duped. Last year we visited Lucas & Simon from Maggies and we were heading back to the M/D about 11.30 and we never passed another person on Holiday St (not even a taxi driver) which is something we've never experienced in all the years we've been going. It will be interesting to see how the Goan tourism industry tries to deal with the expected drop in visitors.........Keith...
P.S
I cant see there being any problems over the sunbed limits this year.......

Yes, when we were there lst Nov-Dec, we remarked often when walking down Holiday St. towards Maggies about 10.00 pmish, that we were the only people there, it took us back 15 years or so when there was no shops there, just a couple of restuarants, lots of trees and bushes, the old Onedus Del Mar Hotel and not much more, we once watched a mongoose ambling down the road! Mabey we,ll see another mongoose this November, as I dont think the place will be buzzing with tourists. It's all very sad, but I'm afraid you cant blame it all on the recession, the Goans, in my opinion, have to a large extent, been the agents of their own misfortune. Personally we'll quite like the lack of hoards of tourists, but having used the likes of the "Taste of India", opposite Babuttes, and getting to know the regular waiters over the years, we feel really sorry for them, much more so than the owners, who have done very well over the years. Alan

I could'nt agree more Gramps, like yourselves we have become friends with some really good people from various places we visit, who have never asked us for anything and are only to happy that we take the time to call in and see them while we are in Goa. As you say its them I feel sorry for and not the owners, regarding the Mongoose we saw one run through Maggies a couple of years ago (although I must admit we had no Idea what it was until the lads in Maggies explained what it was) the way things are going it wont be long before tumbleweed is the only thing breezing down most of Goas streets..Keith

Have been going to Goa for 11 years and decided in feb this year while we were there that it would be the last time. Not saying we would never go back but we need a change, Goa has changed so much and not for the better. Have just booked for Cuba so looking forward to seeing new things and different culture.

JKF, Way off topic I know, but last year down the side of Dr Titos at the back of Maggies, we spotted a full grown Mongoose heading towards Maggies, so it looks like there is a family of them established round there somewhere. Alan

So it may be much quieter next season, Great, bring it on I say, No need to wait for a table, better service, more peacefull, more like the old Goa. We hear people saying "go up North to the quieter beaches" no need to you can stay in Candolim (slight exaggeration) but you know what I mean. The locals will try to put up prices to compensate but there will always be bargains to be had, you just have to search a bit more. Use the buses, eat in less popular restaurants, the food can be just as good if not better and the atmosphere more laid back. Dont try to change Goa, change yourself. We went in December when the terrorist troubles were going on and it was very quiet, Fantastic. If it continues to become less popular then development will slow down which is what everyone is comlaining about. Seems to me that some people want it all ways. Cant wait to get back.

all saints- Couldn't agree more!!