Water sports operators along the popular Calangute-Candolim beach belt in Goa have formally requested a reduction in the officially notified rates for various boat rides. Their appeal stems from the stiff competition posed by discounted "package" rates offered by tour operators at other beaches in the state.
Fixed Rates Hurting Business in Calangute-Candolim
Operators argue that the fixed rates applicable in the Calangute-Candolim zone are slightly higher compared to combo deals available elsewhere. This price disparity is directly impacting their business, as customers are drawn to more affordable packages at alternative locations. The current tourism department notification for the season starting October 10 sets the price for a combo of four rides—winch parasailing, jet ski, banana ride, and bump ride—at Rs 1,900 at select beaches like Baina and Mobor. When taken individually, the same set of rides costs significantly more.
Package Operators Taking Away Customers
Speaking on the issue, Candolim-based water sports operator Seby D’Souza highlighted the core problem. "Package tour operators are taking away most of our business," D’Souza stated. He explained that beaches such as Baina were permitted to offer combo packages specifically because they were struggling to attract customers initially.
Operators report that footfalls have not recovered to pre-pandemic levels, exacerbating the financial pressure. The dual challenge of lower tourist numbers and uncompetitive pricing has prompted their collective demand for similar permissions to reduce ride rates. They seek a level playing field to effectively compete and sustain their operations in the crucial post-pandemic recovery phase.
