I have been coming to Goa for the past twenty years and have witnessed the steady decline in the pull-push effect on the tourist industry because of the inaction of government to improve the infrastructure and its reluctance to set acceptable standards in the service industry.
The run-away capitalism by local retail businesses bordering on the ridiculous, particularly in the service industry, is of real concern to most tourists. Cost of accommodation, for example, is so inflated, that it takes a big bite out of the budget set aside for a holiday. In many cases, the accommodation is sub-standard even by Indian standards.
To add to these negative features, Goa the beautiful, has steadily degenerated into a Mecca for trash. You can well understand why tourists from the West and even Indian tourists would rather go elsewhere, rather than come here.
I need to hardly stress that the tourist industry is the golden egg that has helped make Goa’s economy vibrant. There have been many concerned tourists who, over the years, have expressed, in your newspaper their frustrations over what they see and experience. I have seen very few changes, and if anything, conditions and things have worsened considerably.
There is such massive greed in Goa’s marketplace that tourist destinations in other parts of the world (and they are legion) are bound to prove to be a lot more attractive and inviting.
If nothing is done to institute correctives in a hurry, Goa’s tourist industry will self destruct.
The acquisition of a tourist visa to enable one to enter India is another horrendous experience. We were made to line outside in the severe winter weather to await our turn to hand in our passports and application forms. As one applicant in the queue said in frustration, we were being treated worse than cattle. The cost of the visa is another bone of contention.
I love Goa and have considered it my second home. However, I feel saddened by the fact that I will have to spend my winters elsewhere because of disturbing conditions in Goa that I cannot control and also because it is becoming far too expensive even for a very basic holiday.
