In the age of social media, where every opinion can go viral overnight, Goa has found itself at the center of a storm. Influencers on platforms like X have taken to demoting my beloved state as a tourist destination, painting it with the brushes of exploitation, overpricing, and neglect. But let’s peel back the layers of this narrative and see what’s truly under the sun in Goa.
First off, I must admit, as a Goan, it’s disheartening to see my home being downgraded. From the perspective of someone who has watched this paradise evolve, there is a clear divide between what domestic tourists complain about and what the international crowd experiences. Indian tourists, particularly, seem to share a collective narrative of the taxi mafia, overpriced accommodations, and beaches that sometimes resemble a less glamorous version of their usual city streets. But is this the whole story?
Imagine this: you come to Goa expecting tranquility but find yourself in a traffic jam on a beach road, thanks to the influx of tourists during peak season. Here, the government has responded with initiatives like the ‘Pink Force’ - an all-women police squad ensuring safety, and apps to monitor traffic compliance. But perhaps, we’re asking too much from our serene little state. The truth is, Goa wasn’t built for the volume of tourists it sometimes sees. It is like inviting a few friends over for a quiet evening, only to have the entire neighborhood show up. The local infrastructure, while improving, struggles under this weight. Now, let’s talk about the influencers. There’s a murmur that some might be paid to tarnish Goa’s image, aiming perhaps to steer tourists towards other, less crowded destinations.
But let’s not dismiss the complaints entirely. There’s room for improvement . Better regulation of taxi services, ensuring that the beauty of our beaches isn’t overshadowed by litter or commercialization. The government’s new initiatives are steps in the right direction, but they need time and support to mature. Here’s a thought: perhaps what we need isn’t just better services but also better tourists. Visitors who appreciate the simplicity and serenity Goa offers, rather than those seeking the same urban chaos they leave behind. We need tourists who understand that Goa is not just about beaches and nightlife but about its culture, its people, and the peaceful coexistence with nature.
