It appears that it is worst tourism year in Goa. Many chartered flights are cancelled and moved to other destinations. The junkets by MLAs and ministers to attract tourists have fallen flat. In spite of the exposition of the sacred relics of St Xavier’s, the usual Christmas, new year and EDM festivals bashes, dances, refund of taxes paid on good purchased, the tempo of inflow of expected tourists is at its lowest ebb. The cisa on arrival has not made an impact, though it is a face saver of sorts.
Local and foreign tourists are realizing that for better cost effective tours there are other competing destinations unfolding with better options. The garbage strewn all over Goa is repugnant to cleanliness conscious tourist from the west. The stake holders have in their greed and avarice have killed the goose that laid the golden egg. It is time to wake up and understand the desire to make a fast buck has been counterproductive for all stake holders who are lamenting and ruing the roost. Excessive dependence on tourism without proper infrastructure in place is no answer to sustainable tourism. Let better sense prevail.
Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
