This year is the first time since the 1970s that no foreign tourists are seen in Goa.

But a few Indians tumble around in the waves on Calangute beach.

- We are not worried about traveling here, everyone keeps a social distance and most have mouth guards, says Sunil Kumar, who came here on holiday from Delhi.

Half of the hotels are closed

But even Indian tourists less than usual.

From being down to zero visits this spring when the government closed the whole country, the number of travelers has increased during the autumn.

About half of the hotels in Goa are now open, but they are far from fully booked.

- Of our 22 rooms, only five are occupied, it is usually up to fifteen during the high season, says Manjunatha Alva, who runs a hotel near the beach.

50,000 jobs have disappeared

India is a significant tourist country and in Goa tourism is by far the most important industry.

About 40 percent of the jobs are here.

So far, 50,000 jobs have disappeared, which is a lot of 1.5 million inhabitants.

GDP has fallen sharply, and uncertainty about jobs and the future has had social consequences.

- Due to reduced incomes, alcohol abuse has increased, says Nilesh Shah who is chairman of the Travel and tourism association of Goa.

Tourists crucial to the economy

Of the eight million tourists who visit Goa each year, only one million are foreigners.

But unlike Indians who often come for a weekend, foreigners stay at least two, three weeks.

In addition, spending more and is therefore crucial for the economy.

Virtually everyone in Goa is more or less dependent on tourism, and after months of corona restrictions, even ordinary grocery stores are on their knees.

Puts your hope in the vaccine

Tax revenues have fallen drastically, but the state still offers some relief for the tourism sector, among other things, new restaurants get a discount on serving permits, but few open new ones and the rest can only wait.

- If we could all just be vaccinated quickly, we could open up to tourists and get a little smile back on our faces, says Rohit Ready, who is a waiter.