PANJIM, Jan. 16 -- As mudslinging has begun over the drop in tourist arrivals with every association blaming the other and pointing fingers at the State government, there seems to be another secret 'villain' in the story - the visa rules.
There are a number of foreign tourists who have had a sour experience and many of them have called off the trip to Goa during the Christmas to New Year week due to complicated visa formalities.
Russian tour operator stopped charter services to Goa on January 12 citing several issues, however, they did not mention the visa issues.
On social media it is a different story with a lot of people disappointed with the tourism season this year. Various reasons are being thrown around and they probably all count...