Goa has had a strange fascination for domestic tourists, more so from the 1990s. Most tend to lose their bearings and sanity when they come to this place. This is because of the perceptions (real, as well as unreal) they have about Goa which they have heard from those who have been to this place. Of late, it has become an exotic destination and a substitute for locations such as Maldives or Sri Lanka, which gives them brownie points to brag about on their social media handles.
With its picturesque beaches, vibrant nightlife and rich cultural and built heritage, Goa attracts visitors from all over the world. However, the surge in tourism also raises concerns about the locals and the safety and well-being of tourists. To address these concerns, it is imperative that Goa establishes a comprehensive tourist advisory to ensure the safety and security of its visitors and find ways to make it known to them.
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The government and tourism stakeholders through a tourist advisory have to proactively make efforts to first of all give a correct perception of Goa. The state is often (wrongly) perceived as a sin and gambling destination, a soft state where laws are not enforced and anything under the sun is permitted. This grossly erroneous perception has to be corrected. People should perceive Goa as a historical entity with rich built heritage, unique culture, natural beauty and warm, sensitive people – and not only its vibrant, and at times sinful lifestyle.
A dedicated tourist advisory in Goa can offer valuable information about the local culture, customs and laws, thus helping tourists understand and respect the community they are visiting. Such information can include tips on appropriate clothing at places of worship, local traditions, and the do’s and don’ts to ensure a harmonious relationship between tourists and the local population. The government and tourism stakeholders should through an advisory, guide tourists how to behave while in Goa. They should be told to keep to the rules of civility and etiquette, even as they are welcome to have a good time. They should be advised to respect the local population and not to disturb their normal lifestyle across Goa.
Tourists should be advised and educated to follow traffic rules, keep speed limits, wear helmets and not to drive through no-entry zones by the traffic police. But, sadly, the traffic police’s favourite pastime is to fine the tourists without helmets, documents and those that drive on the Atal Setu. Tourists should not be fined for lack of vehicle documents, since this onus should lie with the rent-a-bike/car owners.
Government advisory and rent-a-car and rent-a-bike vehicle owners should advise their clients not to drink and drive, dance or sit on vehicles while they are in motion and not to drive their vehicles on the beaches. As the Chief Minister has cautioned that in case of serious accidents this responsibility falls squarely on the tourists involved and those who rent out vehicles, the punishment should be meted out to those who break the rules after they are duly notified in advance.
On the beaches they should be advised to follow the instructions of lifeguards, and during hinterland trips to waterfalls, lakes and ponds, tourists should be advised about the safety precautions to be taken. Often Goa’s stunning landscapes and vibrant atmosphere throw tourists off-guard and they end up taking risks.
Tourists should also be cautioned about falling prey to scams, thefts or touts. It is the responsibility of the local government and tourism authorities to provide the necessary guidance and support to ensure the safety of those who come to experience the state’s beauty.
Season-wise advisory such as during the monsoon should be part of tourist awareness to make tourists aware of the rough sea conditions and potential landslides in hilly areas. Another crucial aspect of a tourist advisory is the provision of emergency contact numbers and assistance in case of accidents, medical emergencies or any unforeseen situations. A well-structured advisory system can help visitors in distress to find the right support, whether it be in terms of medical aid, legal assistance or embassy contact information.
The tourism industry is a vital source of revenue for Goa, and the safety of tourists is essential in maintaining this sector’s sustainability. Negative incidents or unpleasant experiences can deter potential visitors, leading to a decline in tourism revenue. On the other hand, a well-managed tourist advisory system can boost the state’s reputation and attract more tourists, contributing to its economic growth.
