The State government has decided to promote tourism in villages. This is part of the Goa government to encourage theme-based tourism in yet another move to woo tourists, particularly to remote parts of the State whilst also tapping the potential of villages. The government, with an aim to develop villages on the tourism front, has decided to allocate Rs 50 lakh to each village undertaking tourism-related infrastructural work. It is hoped this will act as a pull factor for attracting like-minded and responsible tourists to the State.
People in the business had an interesting take on this move by the government. Nilesh Shah, President TTAG said it is a very good idea to promote village tourism. He said “I believe the idea for promoting village tourism should come from them. If they do that, we and the government will know what they want. Then the government can support them but if the government is pushing it from their end it will not work. The authenticity of the village has to be maintained and if that is maintained it will be great”. He said the consumer was now moving towards experience tourism and this idea would help visitors experience rural Goa in all its elements. He said at the end of the day tourism for him was about generating jobs and that would certainly get a boost. People would be able to stay at home and be able to earn decent money.
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Conrad Stephen, a brand consultant in the state, felt it was an excellent idea. He said “I once had given a proposal to the Goa tourism minister about a campaign called Hidden Goa, it spoke about the backwaters, spice gardens, waterfalls, lakes hidden in various hinterland and villages of Goa. Gone are the sun, sea and sand and beaches of Goa, welcome to Hidden Goa. It would reposition Brand Goa.” Now it’s happening he said and he hoped it was successful.
Poonam Ribo who runs a company that provides nautical experiences felt it would work out if the government ensured it was spread out. This she said would ensure the infrastructure in the village did not collapse due to the influx of visitors in the village. It was important she said that the psychology of the village had to be understood to not create problems. It was important to ensure children and the older generation were not affected by the possible changes.
Savio Messias who has headed the TTAG in the past was his typical blunt self. He said “Unless they have it all under one window, it will not be possible. There are so many permissions to be taken, it takes time and if the property is located on the coast then there are even more permissions. Then there is the village panchayat which is an altogether different matter. There is way too much bureaucracy, it is very time consuming. And yes, you have to grease palms, a lot of palms. How many villagers do you think will want to do all that?”
Maria Victor the founder of an experiential travel company had to lot to say about this plan by the government. She said” The villages of Goa are the reflection of the authentic culture, traditions and lifestyle of Goa. In a rush to capitalize on beach tourism, Goan villages like Calangute, Baga, Candolim, Palolem to name a few have already have been severely affected by over commercialization and borne the brunt of over tourism.
It is important to keep in mind capacity management before infrastructure developments towards boosting tourism happen in villages”. She said tourism in villages could be done more sustainably by celebrating the splendor of Goan villages in the natural setting, promoting existing local business in the village by integrating them with tourism offerings through cuisine, arts and crafts, music and local hosts. Maria said her company had pioneered village tourism offerings since 2015 in Divar Island, Saligao and Chandor by curating experiences around themes of splendid village lifestyle, cuisine, minimalism, multiculturalism, traditional occupations and local legends. She felt this was the path the Government should take to balance the sensitive ecosystem in Goan villages and make sure the local community were direct benefactors of tourism initiatives. The villages were after all a reflection of the authentic culture, traditions and lifestyle of Goa. It was also important to keep in mind capacity management while boosting tourism in villages. Tourism in villages can be done more sustainably by celebrating the splendor of Goan villages in the natural setting, promoting existing local business in the village by integrating them with tourism offerings through cuisine, arts and crafts, music and local hosts. This she felt would help the initiative be self sustaining and long lasting.
The industry has generated a great deal of money for people in the state but it has also generated much comment about how generally visitors and some hotels have conducted themselves. This is one way to move away from the excesses of the industry and bring people into the industry in a responsible manner.
