There is an ongoing debate on whether there is a decline in the tourist arrival in Goa. Though the State depends much on the tourism sector for generation of revenue, it must be said that a decrease in footfalls in the tourism sector could well be a blessing in disguise.
There has been over exploitation of the sector. We have not taken into consideration the carrying capacity of the State as far as tourist arrival is concerned.
Goa does not seem to possess the necessary infrastructure to cater to such a large number of tourists. With overexploitation of tourism we are unwittingly killing the proverbial goose that laid the golden eggs.
The sector seems to have reached breaking point. A reduction in the arrival of visitors to the State will help our beaches to rejuvenate. It will give Goans breathing space. It will also give the government and other tourism stakeholders time to rethink the strategy to adopt.
We do not need tourists who drink and sleep on the beaches, those who cook in the open and sleep under the night sky and in their vehicles. We need to attract tourists who generate revenue for the state.
Goa is not just about beaches and casinos. We need to promote hinterland tourism and to promote the traditional way of living in the villages. Goa should promote tourism of the 80’s and 90s’. A break from the present tourism mess will do wonders.
