Shacks in Goa begin to shut as season comes to a close

The tourism season is coming to a close for shacks along the Goa coast. Two shacks in Benaulim Beach have already shut shop and many other closures are planned along the southern coastal belt.

For most, the season has not been bad. It has actually been better than was expected after the slow start, and hopes are high that the next season will be better, even though the air of uncertainty hangs thick.

“The month of December was not good for us. We were taken aback by the turnout in December because that is supposed to be the peak. However, we made up for what was expected in December with the surge in crowds from January to March,” says Jack, owner of a in Benaulim.

Despite no reasons being attributed to the decline in tourist numbers in December, industry insiders believe that the low footfalls could be because Goa is known to be overcrowded during that time of the year, and hence people are reluctant to visit at that time.

CLOSED: Beach huts without air-conditioning have started shutting down for the season.

“I do not know why we started the season on a stutter, but we made up for it in the subsequent three months, and things could have continued till April if not for the sudden rise in temperatures,” says Jack, as he looks back at the season.

If Jack sits back and smiles, it is because a lot of his repeat guests kept the waves of success splashing at his shack which is known for its hygiene, cordiality and healthy F&B menu.

“We could have continued till the end of April, but the heat became unbearable and people just stopped coming to the . It was pointless hanging out in the sun expecting guests,” he says.

Despite no reasons being attributed to the decline in tourist numbers in December, industry insiders believe that the low footfalls could be because Goa is known to be overcrowded during that time of the year, and hence people are reluctant to visit at that time.

Except for shacks next to hotels, others, from Utorda to , have started to shut. Along with shacks, some beach huts — except those with air conditioning — have begun closing, too.

“There are no takers for our beach huts that have no AC as it gets really hot inside, and with not much breeze, it is difficult to stay inside,” says Swati who runs beach huts in Galgibaga (South Goa).

“We do have some AC rooms reserved for the month of May. The season was very good because we were full from December onwards. Apart from repeat guests, we had a lot of foreign tourists making inquiries, and expect to do well in the coming season,” predicts a happy Swati.

Despite a slump in tourists, beaches along the southern coast are full of locals, from morning till evening, as it is picnic time for Goans residing elsewhere, and returning to beat the summer heat.

“We return home for the summer holidays every year. It is time for us to meet our family, relax from our hectic schedules, go to the beach every evening, and enjoy our and jackfruit,” says Mona from Cavelossim, South Goa.

Despite a slump in tourists, beaches along the southern coast are full of locals, from morning till evening, as it is picnic time for Goans residing elsewhere, and returning to beat the summer heat.

Tourists from different parts of the country also visit the State this , but tourism stakeholders do not see them contributing substantially to the economy.

“We do get groups of five to ten coming and asking for a room or two rooms, where all of them can jam up. We do not accept such guests as we end up spending more for the upkeep after they have left,” states Mark, who runs a homestay.

With shacks beginning to close, owners are happy and are hoping that like this season, the government will facilitate the early start of shacks in the forthcoming season.

Good times have come and many hope they will continue well past the and into season 2025-2026.