Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has dismissed claims that the state is experiencing a dip in tourist numbers during Christmas and New Year season, stating that hotels there are fully booked. This response comes after certain social media personalities suggested the state was unusually quiet this holiday season.
Sawant criticised the spread of what he claimed is a false narrative about Goa. In an interview with ANI, Sawant said that the claim that that tourists are avoiding Goa and heading to other destinations is misleading. He said that statements like these create an incorrect image of Goa. He invited those spreading these claims to visit Goa and witness the reality. Sawant said that all roads in the state are packed with vehicles, beaches are crowded, and there are plenty of international tourists visiting the state.
December, according to the Chief Minister, is a peak tourist month for Goa. From international festivals to Christmas and New Year’s Eve, celebrations are in full swing. He said that it is usual for Goa ti see a large influx of tourists from November through January.
Separately, Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte criticised “paid influencers” for attempting to tarnish the state’s reputation. During a press conference, he stated that making claims of tourist numbers dropping and visitors choosing other destinations like Thailand is a deliberate attempt to promote competing locations. Khaunte said that they will launch an investigation and expose the people behind this misinformation.