Why Goa’s Tourism industry is facing a steady decline

Jerry Fernandes, Saligao | JANUARY 02, 2025, 12:59 AM IST

A tourist from Andhra Pradesh was killed after he and his friends were brutally assaulted at a prominent beach shack in Calangute. The attack, involving the shack’s owners and non-Goan workers, escalated from a dispute over a food order. This incident has shocked Goa, exposing the deteriorating state of its hospitality sector, which is no longer as welcoming as it once was.

The tourism industry in Goa is increasingly being taken over by unprofessional and notorious individuals from neighbouring states. This shift, combined with the State’s strategy of attracting rowdy domestic tourists through cheap alcohol, drugs, and other vices, has turned Goa into a less safe destination for visitors. 

Additionally, most shacks employ non-Goan workers who lack proper training to handle critical situations, especially during peak seasons like Christmas and New Year. This combination of poorly managed tourism and inadequate workforce training has resulted in incidents like these, tarnishing Goa’s reputation as a safe and hospitable destination. Until the state government and tourism stakeholders address these issues, such unfortunate incidents will continue, further damaging the image of brand Goa.


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