The quietness of Goa's Latin Quarter tells a tourism story

There is a silence on the sidewalks of Sao Tome and Fontainhas, and for a change, the locals are at ease. The summer heat is pricking the tourism bubble in this tourist hotspot in the capital city and the stakeholders are not perturbed.

“The number of tourists has decreased, but it is no reason to worry because this has been the trend for years. The numbers of tourists decrease because the heat becomes unbearable during this time of the year,” says Alwyn, owner of a famous coffee house on the street.

Few tourists can be seen walking along the streets and even fewer can be found posing for pictures, and with no hollering, the streets of Sao Tome and seem to fold back into their past.

“I must admit, it is less noisy now. I can go to sleep in the afternoon. The heat gets unbearable by afternoon, so much so that I have been surviving on liquids,” says Getrude who lives in one of the lanes.

Few tourists can be seen walking along the streets and even fewer can be found posing for pictures, and with no hollering, the streets of Sao Tome and Fontainhas seem to fold back into their past.

Though most hotels and restaurants are open, footfalls have been low and are expected to decrease further. But, there is no apprehension, for less arrivals in is a known trend.

“People opt to visit hill stations during this time of the year. Movement is more towards North India or some southern states. Bangalore is a no-no this year because of the water problems,” reasons Antonio, who works for a travel agency nestled in the ward.

ALL QUIET: The otherwise busy 31 January Road wears a deserted look these days.

Hotels here have slashed room tariffs, but with word having gone around that the heat in Goa is unbearable, even tourist guides are finding it difficult to spot prospective clients.

“I do get clients who come in the for a long night out, but many do not last long as this part of the city cannot be enjoyed with the doors and windows shut and the air conditioning on,” says restaurateur Ramesh.

“What we see around around this time of the year are normally the people who have come to visit the casinos, and such people do not contribute to the financial growth of the city,” he adds.

Traffic along the quarter is not dense nor are restaurants crowded with tourists who want to get a feel of the Goa of the past. Parking is not a problem, except where the casino staff park their vehicles.

Hotels here have slashed room tariffs, but with word having gone around that the heat in Goa is unbearable, even tourist guides are finding it difficult to spot prospective clients.

“This is the time where the difference between and no crowd can be felt. It now feels like a tranquil road of the past. Earlier, even conversations with neighbours were difficult,” admits Mario.

Most stakeholders on this stretch are happy with the way the season has turned out. “Apart from the noise, business was good. I cannot complain, and I think the same holds true for all around this belt,” affirms Valente.

With less traffic, pavements are being re-shaped, gutters are being cleaned and residents in and Fontainhas can be seen patching up and getting ready before the monsoon bursts.

“There was a time when we nearly lost it because of the noise created by tourists, and the scant respect they had for all those living around. But, things pulled up, and I am sure there will be some solution in place before the next season starts,” hopes Marylou.

The Latin Quarter of Goa has hosted the best and not so best from the industry during the 2024-2025 season. But, as many believe, the show must go on.