ENA State 2024-01-08 17:14:45 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Panaji, Jan 8 (KNN)</strong> The Small and Medium Hoteliers Association (SMHA) of Goa reported an 80 per cent business loss this year due to a significant decline in tourist arrivals.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">SMHA president Santosh Divkar cited government policies, business complexities, and visa problems as contributors to the issue.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Divkar expressed concerns about reduced stay durations for foreign tourists and increased difficulties in obtaining visas.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">He emphasised that Goa has become comparatively expensive for tourists, particularly due to high flight ticket prices.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Divkar suggested controlling airfare costs and implementing stricter rules on music and traffic to enhance the tourism experience.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Other hoteliers echoed the sentiment, urging the government to address these issues and promote tourism through initiatives like free visas and hassle-free visa on arrival facilities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span></p> 36201 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/state/sme-hotels-in-goa-report-80-decline-in-tourist-arrivals-visa-restrictions-govt-regulations-blamed 2024-01-08 17:14:45 knnindia.co.in