Goa feels pinch of recession

A double-whammy of the global economic turmoil and Mumbai terror attacks has hit the usually bustling Indian resort of Goa hard as a disappointing winter tourist season draws to a quiet close.

Others point to the death of British teenager Scarlett whose body was found on a beach in the former Portuguese colony a year ago for affecting visitor numbers, shedding light on a murky sub-culture of sex, drink and drugs.

About 27 lakh tourists from India and abroad came to tiny Goa last year, bringing in more than 180 million dollars in revenue to the local economy. In recent months though, many of the bars and restaurants have been virtually deserted, while other businesses and returning visitors have noticed a difference.

“Following the recession, there was panic in the mind of the people as well as tourists after the Mumbai attacks,” said Lyndon Monteiro, vice-chairman of Goa Tourism Development Corporation.