PANAJI
This year’s International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is set against a backdrop of social media criticism over the decline in Goa’s tourism industry as foreign tourist arrivals plummet along with several other factors contributing to this shift.
Though, the tourism stakeholders admit that the festival - being held in the coastal State for the last 20 years - has given a major boost to local tourism; there is a lack of clarity on whether it had any global impact by way of attracting international travellers.
The presence of high-profile films and celebrities, alongside the international press, underscores IFFI’s role as a major player in promoting the State as an attractive destination for cultural and film tourism. The festival significantly increases visitor numbers, benefiting local businesses such as hotels, restaurants and shops - not just in and around Panaji - where the festival is hosted - but across Goa with visitors preferring to explore Goa during this eight-day event.
“IFFI has helped tourism in a big way. In fact, it can be considered as one of the biggest tourism events. It draws in over 10,000 delegates annually thus generating business for local hotels, restaurants, etc. It helps in revenue generation and economic boost,” Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) President Jack Sukheja said.
According to Sukheja, the festival has helped in developing film culture with lots of film shoots taking place in Goa, thus giving the State extensive national and international coverage and promoting Goa as a top travel destination.
Film tourism is something that Goa is now also known for, with several box office hit movies being shot in the State, he said. Off late, not just Bollywood but some Hollywood movies and now even Tollywood films are being shot here.
Sukheja said that IFFI, by and large, has helped in tourism promotion, as the event takes place during the peak tourism season in November.
During the 55th edition of IFFI inaugural, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the annual festival is now inseparable from the State’s identity. Brought in 2004 by the then CM late Manohar Parrikar, Goa is now home of IFFI which has helped take the coastal State on a global platform, he had acknowledged.
In the current unprecedented situation - where tourism is facing the heat due to a lack of government policies or an uncontrolled sector – the festival may act as a powerful medium to promote and upsurge tourism activities. Experts advocate for events like international film festivals for further promotion of tourism destinations.
Former TTAG President Nilesh Shah said that the hotel industry and local tourism have got a boost; and if the delegates have a good experience, they do prefer to visit the State with families. “Being a permanent venue for IFFI, it has helped Goa tourism in a big way. It has helped the economy as a whole,” he said.
“But, as far as international players or travellers are concerned, how the event has helped tourism globally, is not known. In the end, such festivals should help the industry to grow on an international platform,” Shah said.
The festival delegates visiting the State prefer to explore the tourist destination during their stay. “Last year, I explored North Goa. I visited Arambol, Keri, Anjuna and Reis Magos fort and enjoyed Goan cuisine. It was a very good experience. This time, I have come along with my friend as delegates and plan to visit South Goa. We have our itinerary prepared,” Manohar Ghosh, an IFFI delegate said.
At the same time, he admits that the State is too expensive as far as travel, stay and food are concerned.
