Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Goa
 
Panaji, Dec 28: Goa's tourism industry is bouncing back to normalcy after successful Christmas festivities, feels the experts.
 
The state, which is witnessing unprecedented security along the coast, is a favourite destination for tourists to usher in the new year.
 
"We may not be able to make up for the loss. But the situation is changing we are receiving lot of inquiries. The tourism is bouncing back," Travel and tourism association of Goa (TTAG) president Ralf de Souza said.
 
The tourism industry saw dent upto 20 per cent this season with the global meltdown and also the situation arising post 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.
 
The tourists remained away for some time from the state till Christmas festivities went on without disruption.
 
"People have come to know that everything is fine here. There is a positive response from the tourists," de Souza said.
 
The reduction in prices by hotels has also further anointed tourism bounce back as the visitors find Goa, comparatively a cheaper destination.
 
"The hotels are not charging the premium rates," the TTAG president explained.
 
The tourism revival is seen on the Goa's famous beaches like Colva, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna,, Palolem, Vagator, and even Morjim in the northernmost part. The beaches are crowded with domestic tourists who have gathered here in large number.
 
"We have always been saying that whatever tourism industry is going through is a temporary phenomenon," Lyndon Monteiro, officer on special duty to state tourism ministry, said.
 
Monteiro said that whatever measures the state government took has paid off. "We are optimistic that at the end of the season we would not be lacking far behind," the OSD said.
 
Goa receives around 26 lakh tourists, of which around 3 lakh are foreigners.