This is the only sector which saved the economy of Goa after mining was banned. The government is receiving substantial revenue from tourism, especially after the introduction of GST. Developing the tourism sector is synonymous to strengthening the State’s economy.
The State Government will be receiving 33% of the revenue from day one once the Mopa airport is made operational. Since the Government is entitled to receive 33% of profits from any of the services provided at the airport, the revenue will keep increasing as the number of flights and tourists rise. Which is why making Mopa airport operational at the earliest is in the best interest of the State with regards to the financial condition. Special attention needs to be paid to the development of the tourism sector. Flights from all over the world carrying tourists will land at Mopa airport. Mopa will be providing services on 40 new airways. Hence, it is understood that people from those regions will definitely visit Goa for a renowned tourist destination it is.
Besides developing infrastructure to provide amenities to the tourists, the government will also have to make sure that the visitors will not be looted and will get the best of the services at reasonable rates. Tourism in Goa began with coastal tourism. The ever beautiful beaches of Goa fascinated the tourists which made Goa a world renowned destination. These beaches must be given attention.
Currently, the Blue Flag certification has gained considerable weight internationally. The shores to have gained such a title are considered beautiful, safe and developed. Therefore, alert tourists while planning their tours first find out about the beaches having Blue Flag certification. The Government must note that Goa does not have a single such beach despite being well-known for them. The beaches which are clean, environment-friendly and provide facilities of the international level to its visitors are awarded the Blue Flag tag.
The Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) laid down the criteria for the Blue Flag certification in 1985. There are 33 rules and conditions which have to be met if a beach is wishing to have a Blue Flag tag. The beach is expected to be compliant with the criterias related to environment, education, safety amongst others. The intention of the Blue Flag campaign is to promote tourism while safeguarding the environment. Environmental education, quality of the sea water, environment management and conservation, facilities available at the beach, arrangements for the meetings, washrooms, purification system for the water that is discharged into the sea, usage of solar energy, CCTV cameras are some of the criterias to attain a Blue Flag.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2019 had shortlisted 13 beaches from the country for the certification of Blue Flag, which included Goa’s Miramar. However, the Goan beach failed to meet the 33 standard criterias in relation to the environment. The lack of facilities on the beach too was one of the reasons behind Miramar’s disqualification. That means Goa does not have a single beach with a Blue Flag title. Besides, the issue of technical error in issuing the notification had also reached the court.
The fishermen are apprehensive about the tag as they are of the opinion that it will affect the fishing business. The common complaint is that there is not enough space to dry off the fish due to multiple marine development projects. There is a provision to build facilities under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana for the fishermen community.
For the Blue Flag certification, ultra-modern changes are expected to take place since sustainable tourism is the core intention. And so, the question raised by the fishing community is that where the facilities under PMMSY scheme will be placed. The fishermen expect the government to take them into confidence while amending the Central Act. Fishing as well as other local community’s activities need to be thought of on priority. If that is done, the government will be able to attain Blue Flag certification not just for one but for many beaches, which will automatically result in the growth of the tourism sector.
