Tourism Slump and Safety Fears Force Goa’s Beach Shacks to Shut Early

Panaji, April 24: A rising number of beach shacks in Goa have closed their doors ahead of the usual season’s end on May 31, signaling a growing crisis in the state’s tourism industry. The closures, which started in late March and escalated after Easter, are a response to falling tourist numbers, security concerns, and operational challenges.

The Shack Owners Welfare Society (SOWS) reported that beaches which usually remain busy into late May, such as those in Morjim, Cavelossim, and Majorda, have seen significantly fewer visitors this year. Manuel Cardozo, president of the Goan Traditional Shacks Owners Association, highlighted that foreign charter arrivals, a key source of revenue for beach shacks, have sharply declined.

The situation has worsened due to violent incidents, including two murders near beach areas and confrontations between tourists and shack staff. These incidents, amplified on social media, have heightened safety concerns and damaged Goa’s reputation as a safe tourist destination.

In addition, unauthorized shack expansions and sub-leasing issues have raised regulatory concerns, further complicating the challenges faced by shack operators.

While shacks in high-demand areas like Sauntavaddo in Calangute and parts of Baga are still operating and attracting domestic tourists, they remain exceptions in an otherwise struggling tourism season. Operators in these areas have requested extensions to remain open until June, citing steady weekend crowds and local demand.

With the season ending early, tourism stakeholders and government officials are now calling for a reassessment of Goa’s tourism strategy. Efforts may include enhanced safety measures, stricter regulations, and promoting sustainable tourism practices to help restore confidence in Goa’s coastal tourism.