Goa’s Beach Shacks Begin Early Closure Amid Low Tourist Turnout
Panaji, 19th April 2025: Several beach shacks along Goa’s famed coastline have started shutting down operations weeks ahead of the official season end on May 31, citing drastically reduced footfall and minimal business activity.
Shacks at popular and lesser-frequented beaches such as Colva, Cavelossim, Calangute, Candolim, Morjim, Benaulim, and Majorda have either closed or are in the process of winding up. Operators say dwindling tourist numbers, particularly after the departure of international charter tourists, have made it unviable to continue.
“Shacks on less crowded beaches began closing shop as early as the last week of March,” said Cruz Cardozo, president of the Shack Owners Welfare Society (SOWS). “Once Easter passed and tourist activity didn’t pick up, many realized it made no sense to keep operating.”
Manuel Cardozo, who heads the Goan Traditional Shacks Owners Association, echoed similar concerns. “We saw decent business only between January and mid-March when charter tourists were arriving. Now, the beaches are largely empty,” he said. “This is the first season I’ve seen shacks shutting down so early.”
Despite the downturn, shack operators near high-traffic entry points of major beaches have requested a short extension until June 10. “Some of us are still seeing moderate business and would like to stay open a bit longer, if the authorities allow,” said a shack owner from Candolim.
The early closures are a setback for the coastal economy, which relies heavily on seasonal tourism. Stakeholders are now hoping that the next tourist season brings better footfall and more consistent business.
