MAPUSA
Goa’s pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife draw tourists from across the globe, but beneath its idyllic image lies an escalating issue that threatens the State’s tourism industry.
Recent incidents involving altercations between shack owners and domestic tourists have cast a shadow on the coastal paradise.
The problem, though not new, has taken centre stage after a tourist lost his life in a brawl on New Year’s Day at a shack in Calangute.
Rising tensions on coastal belt: According to shack operators, confrontations with unruly domestic tourists have become an almost daily occurrence.
While most disputes are resolved privately, the recent fatality has highlighted the growing frequency and intensity of these clashes.
John Lobo, General Secretary of the Shack Owners’ Welfare Society, explained, “These incidents often begin over petty issues, like the volume of music and escalate when tourists become intoxicated.”
Manuel Cardozo, President of the Goan Traditional Shack Owners Association, echoed these sentiments.
“Domestic tourists often act pompous and provoke fights with staff over trivial matters. They even flaunt connections to influential figures to intimidate us,” he said.
Alcohol, arrogance: Shack operators point out that many disputes arise when tourists overstay their welcome at shacks, sometimes occupying tables for an entire day. This differs from restaurants, where patrons typically stay for shorter periods.
“Tourists often get drunk and refuse to leave or pay their bills,” Lobo noted, describing how some even slip away without settling their dues. “With 30 to 50 tables in a shack, it’s impossible to monitor every customer,” he added.
The recent incident in Calangute underscores the volatility of such encounters. A group of tourists demanded food at 1 am, despite the shack being closed.
The argument spiralled into a physical altercation, ultimately resulting in a tourist’s death.
Shack owners’ dilemma: While police involvement might seem like the logical solution, shack operators often prefer to handle matters internally.
“Calling the police is usually futile. Most issues are resolved on the spot, but when things escalate, tragic outcomes like the recent death occur,” said Cardozo.
The shift in Goa’s tourist demographic adds to the challenges.
Shack owners lament the decline in foreign tourists, who they say are more respectful and better mannered.
“In the 1990s, we built lasting bonds with foreigners who stayed for weeks. They were our primary clientele,” Lobo reminisced. “Now, we have to cater to Indian tourists who stay for only a day or two but bring a lot of chaos,” he added.
Declining tourist quality, changing dynamics: The decline in foreign tourists has left shack operators increasingly reliant on domestic visitors, who they describe as demanding and often unruly.
“Today’s tourists want discounts on everything, even a Rs 500 bill,” Cardozo revealed.
The image of Goa as a no-holds-barred party destination has also contributed to the deteriorating behaviour of some tourists.
Shack operators acknowledge that domestic tourists bring revenue but argue that the cost of dealing with their behaviour is steep.
“While foreign tourists spread their budget over weeks, Indian tourists spend big in a day or two, creating a lot of stress and little lasting goodwill,” Lobo said.
The way forward: As tensions rise, shack operators are calling for measures to address these issues. They advocate for stricter enforcement of rules and greater accountability from both tourists and authorities.
“The behaviour of tourists needs to change, but so does the support we receive from law enforcement,” Cardozo said.
Until then, the idyllic beaches of Goa may continue to witness the dark underbelly of its booming tourism industry.
