From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network - Goa

Goa, Nov 30: The recent decision of Russia to drop Goa from its list of safe destinations might cast spell on the tourism industry in the western state which is already reeling under fear of decreased footfalls.

Russians amounted to the largest foreigners in this land known for its beaches following Britons. The state receives 30 lac tourists of which approximately four lac are foreigners. But the numbers may fall down further.

A senior tourism department official said the state was looking at a brighter prospect from Russian markets considering the worsening situations in Egypt and Turkey till the recent development. “They struck off Goa from the list of safe destinations that means a lot for the industry,” he admitted.
The first deputy speaker of the parliament of the Russian Federation Ivan Menikov has issued the statement raising “concerns over rising prices for holidaying in Goa along with lack of infrastructure and disturbing incidents.”

While Goan beaches are known to welcome the foreigners, few of the villages like Morjim, Arambol and Ashwem were touted as Russian colonies due to their increasing presence in this area.

The authorities in Goa are worried over the coming season. Vikram Varma, legal advisor for Russian Consulate in Mumbai, admits that, “The falling numbers are evident. To reverse the trend it is up to the state government,” he commented.

The recently introduced initiative of Russian Information Centre (RIC) hopes that the Russians would continue visiting here due to 'positive atmosphere here.' RIC Goa chief Ekaterina Belyakova feels the travelers did not bother about paying extra as they continued repeatedly visiting here.