PANAJI
In a reflection of Goa’s evolving approach towards its tourism industry, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant recently advocated for a shift towards quality tourism over quantity.
“We have seen the results of quantity tourists coming to Goa. Goa is currently overfull. The government is focussing on improving the ease of living and the happiness index of tourists who come from around the country. Getting quality tourists will benefit all stakeholders from shack owners to taxi operators,” he said at a recent State function.
This statement has ignited discussions whether Goa is seriously considering limiting tourists, given the growing threat of over-tourism at various attractions – some of which were known to only locals.
Looking back to the year 2001, the Bollywood movie “Dil Chahta Hai” played a significant role in bolstering Goa’s tourism. At a time when the future of the industry appeared bleak, the film’s first television campaign generated a profit of around Rs 30 crore, surpassing the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s initial investment of Rs 3 crore.
The onset of Covid-19 pandemic brought the tourism sector to a standstill worldwide. Although it has since rebounded, the industry now faces the challenge of over-tourism.
BEHAVIOUR
Tourism stakeholders and experts have shared differing perspectives on how to address this issue. President of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) Nilesh Shah emphasized the need for well-behaved tourists while citing that ongoing infrastructure developments are capable of accommodating larger tourist numbers.
“We are creating infrastructure. We should do something about well-behaved tourism,” he said.
Contrary to the notion that high-spending tourists equate to quality, TTAG Vice President Jack Sukhija stated the importance of attracting travellers who respect the places they visit and minimize their environmental footprint. “Money and high spending do not necessarily indicate high-quality tourists. We need to attract those travellers who respect the place they visit and leave a minimal environmental footprint,” he stated.
CHALLENGES
The emergence of “revenge tourism,” a phenomenon witnessed worldwide as the world recovered from the pandemic, has added to the challenges. Goa has not been immune to this trend and has ultimately turned out to be one of the primary drivers of over-tourism. The influence of social media influencers has also inadvertently contributed to their exploitation.
Incidents such as reckless driving on beaches, open consumption of alcohol in moving vehicles, and multiple road violations have tarnished Goa’s image even though the government has claimed a zero-tolerance approach.
To address these concerns, Shah has proposed better policing and improved signage to discourage irresponsible behaviour by tourists. He also highlighted the necessity for enhanced infrastructure including beach changing rooms and toilets, as well as implementing policies to encourage the return of bottles and cans to shops, that would help deter littering.
Sukhija emphasized the importance of attracting “Class 1” tourists who immerse themselves in local culture and contribute positively to the places they visit.
“For example, in both Fontainhas and the Parra road, there should be basic don’ts for the people because a certain section of tourists is violating the rules. Public toilets in Sao Tome and Fontainhas should also be set up, due to heavy footfalls,” he added.
LEADERSHIP
TTAG’s past President Savio Messias has expressed concern over the absence of a professional chief at the helm of the Goa Tourism Board while seeking the need for professional leadership to guide the apex body in making strategic decisions.
Messias suggested that a professional chief could lead the Board without excessive interference, allowing for clearer direction. He also raised questions about the role of the private sector and government in Goa’s tourism success, and highlighted pressing issues like garbage.
