Walter de sa, Principal of St. Xavier's College, Mapusa, Goa

Christmas and New Year celebrations just around the corner, the state is seeing a massive influx of tourists. Popular tourist spots are bustling, and hotels, hostels, and homestays are fully booked. The festive season brings a significant surge, particularly from international visitors, with Goa witnessing the highest number of tourists during this time. Although the state generally experiences a steady flow of tourists year-round, November, December, and January see the peak in arrivals. As a result, beachfront resorts and accommodations are already filled to capacity.Meanwhile, the Panaji market saw a heavy rush yesterday as customers flocked to purchase Christmas supplies, taking advantage of the Sunday holiday. All markets across the state experienced a similar surge, with people preparing for the festive celebrations scheduled for Wednesday. Christmas ingredients have been available in the market for the past month, but the last-minute rush intensified as the holiday approaches. The market was filled with colorful decorations, including Santa Claus costumes, hats, and Christmas trees. Shoppers also crowded the stalls for colorful plastic flower garlands, electric lights, and sweets to adorn their homes.Crowds Cause Traffic Chaos in Panaji MarketDue to the Sunday holiday, the Panaji market was packed with shoppers buying Christmas supplies, leading to severe traffic congestion. The high volume of people created a shortage of parking spaces for four-wheelers, and in certain areas, vehicles were unable to park because of ongoing roadworks. This resulted in significant inconvenience for drivers.Increase in Accommodation Facilities to Meet Rising Tourist DemandIn recent years, the state has seen a rise in the number of hotels and home stay guest houses, driven by the growing influx of tourists. The availability of rooms has also increased, with around 70,000 rooms and over one lakh beds now available across the state. This expansion aims to accommodate the large number of visitors arriving. As a result, businesses reliant on tourism, including hoteliers, taxi drivers, and local shopkeepers, have experienced a boost in their operations.Tourists Flock to Beaches for Christmas and New Year CelebrationsDespite efforts by the state government to promote domestic tourism, most visitors coming to Goa for the Christmas and New Year holidays prefer to stay on the beaches. The beaches offer various entertainment options, and New Year celebrations are held with great enthusiasm along the coastline. As a result, inland tourist destinations see limited benefits during this period, with beachfront hotels reaping the most rewards. Popular beaches in North and South Goa, such as Calangute, Baga, Vagator, and Kolwa, are particularly crowded with tourists.Christmas Decorations and Festivities Across the StateChristians have adorned their homes with festive decorations for Christmas, including electric lights that illuminate their surroundings. Churches and chapels are also brightly lit with beautiful blessing lights, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Many entertainment programs have already begun and will continue until the New Year. Various establishments are offering Christmas-themed facilities, and numerous shops have launched special offers to celebrate the season, including discounts on clothing purchases.

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