Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Oct 15: As the peak tourist season nears, Goa is once again under fire for its soaring hotel tariffs, overpriced beachside restaurants, and taxi operators accused of overcharging and intimidating tourists. Frustrated travellers are now calling it Goa’s “pricing crisis,” questioning if the State’s charm is worth the cost.

Finance professional Suraj Kumar Talreja sparked a viral debate on X after posting, “Just look at the prices in Goa during November and December, you’ll be shocked.” He noted that premium resorts charge nearly Rs 60,000 per night, while mid-range hotels exceed Rs 10,000. With no Ola or Uber services, taxi fares add to tourists’ woes.

His post drew hundreds of reactions, with many comparing Goa unfavourably to Southeast Asian destinations. Travellers pointed out that luxury hotels in Thailand and Vietnam range between Rs 5,000 and Rs 11,000 per night, with better infrastructure, transport, and hospitality.

“After travelling to Vietnam or Thailand, you realise Goa is a scam… You get twice the quality for the same price,” one user wrote. Another added, “It’s better to go to Thailand or Vietnam; their infrastructure is 100 times better.”

Some, however, defended Goa’s unique vibe. “Goa is Goa. Nowhere comes close to its feel,” one user posted, while others noted that destinations like Chikmagalur and Puducherry are now equally expensive.

Despite the defence, many agreed Goa’s charm is fading amid rising costs and disorganised tourism. Recent data show a 30% rise in Indian travel to Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Bali, with tourists citing better value and cleaner experiences abroad.