MARGAO: Goa Forward Party (GFP) President Vijai Sardesai criticised the policymakers in Goa for the bad state of tourism sector in Goa and has warned that if immediate corrective steps are not taken Goa Tourism sector will go to point of no return.
“It’s of great worry that the govt’s attempts, if at all, are based on ideas and notions that were perhaps relevant a couple of decades ago and not on the needs of today’s internet savvy, globetrotting, demanding and discerning traveler. First of all, we need to understand that tourism is a competitive business both at macro and micro levels. Unless we have something to offer that’s not just different from other States’ offerings but also attractive to the spending tourist, we will always be at a disadvantage, “said Vijai.
“We should build on our unique culture, heritage, our world view, our liberalism, our hospitality, our cuisine, clean beaches etc that made Goa a tourist destination much before many other centres adorned that distinction, is a strong argument for our State. It also answers the fundamental question why a person travels to a chosen destination,” said GFP.
“We need a sustainable and comprehensive tourism policy that incorporates all aspects of tourism that’s tourist centric like law and order, transport, health, good accommodation etc. We have nothing so far and nothing on the horizon,” said Vijai.
He further opined that a thriving tourism ecosystem is not viable if the local people are not encouraged to support the government in its efforts and the opportunity to prosper is not inbuilt and evident to them.
“But the larger question to ask of the govt today is whether the current dispensation, individually or collectively, has the competence, expertise or the vision to formulate a far-reaching integrated, competitive policy benefiting all, and if so, has the courage and the decisiveness to execute and enforce its will?” asked Vijai.
GFP has demanded that the govt stops fudging numbers and hoodwinking the people. “Ministers are giving out figures of number of tourists without mentioning what type of tourists has entered. Many leading newspapers have reported that some domestic tourists are misbehaving making a mockery of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’. All the govt does is conduct extravagant and wasteful road shows and promotions around the world to create an environment that’s only conducive to pests. High time, like we have consistently maintained, to shift government focus to quality from quantity,” added GFP.
“Today Goa is in the news only for gambling, drugs and sex. People are openly advertising nude parties! This is a dangerous trend. The government should immediately reach out to all the stakeholders and chalk out a plan and invite fresh ideas and concepts from the people at large because it’s quite evident the skill sets required to face the challenges of the future is woefully lacking currently,” said Vijai.
