Several Indian tourists have recently shared troubling accounts of harassment and exploitation by what they call the “Goa taxi mafia,” spurring a conversation about the state’s tourism decline. This discussion emerged after CEIC Data revealed that foreign tourist numbers in Goa remain significantly below pre-Covid levels, with only 1.5 million foreign visitors in 2023, down from 8.5 million in 2019. Ramanuj Mukherjee, an X user, shared the data, adding, “Tourism in Goa is down in the dumps. Foreign tourists have abandoned the state already. Look at 2019 vs. 2023 numbers.” Mukherjee’s post quickly went viral, receiving over 2 million views and sparking heated debate among social media users.
Tourist Decline Linked to ‘Taxi Mafia’ and Overpriced Services
Locals and tourists alike have voiced concerns about Goa’s taxi services, which many describe as monopolized and exploitative. Many tourists recounted experiences of being threatened or overcharged, often without alternative transportation options. One X user, Madhur, shared how he was harassed by a group of taxi drivers when he tried to pick up a German friend from Benaulim Beach. “They stopped us, and soon there were more than 10 drivers ready to beat us up,” he wrote, adding that his German friend was charged ₹1,800 for a 37-kilometer ride.
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Others, like fitness influencer Chirag Barjatya, reported being forced to abandon foreign friends whom they had offered rides, as local taxi drivers aggressively demanded they leave their passengers or risk damage to their vehicle. These experiences have left many tourists disenchanted with Goa and contemplating other destinations.
Alternatives Abroad Gain Favor Among Tourists
Rising travel costs and reports of harassment are prompting Indian tourists to explore other options. Many noted that countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam offer similar experiences at more affordable rates, better services, and easier transportation. The situation worsened after Goa’s taxi unions resisted ride-hailing services such as Ola and Uber, leading to an absence of competition and higher taxi fares.
Social media users highlighted that a flight from Mumbai to Goa could cost less than a local taxi ride in Goa. “I paid ₹2,000 for a flight ticket from Mumbai to Goa in 2018 but had to pay ₹2,500 for a taxi from Goa Airport to Arambol,” one user recalled.
Shifting Tourism Trends: A Growing Preference for Southeast Asia
Many travelers now prioritize Southeast Asia over Goa, finding destinations like Thailand and Vietnam to be more cost-effective, especially as Thailand recently removed visa requirements for Indian tourists. “With Thailand making it visa-free for Indians, it’s going to be worse for Goa,” one user noted, while others mentioned how improved transportation, lower costs, and better-preserved beaches made Southeast Asia more attractive.
With increasing tourism in Southeast Asia and ongoing concerns about Goa’s local practices, experts believe that Goa’s tourism sector may continue to suffer unless significant changes are made. Local authorities may need to reconsider transportation regulations and tourism standards to compete in an evolving tourism landscape.