Savio Pinto
There have been so many hue and cries of late about the downfall of tourism in Goa, but hardly any worthy solutions are forthcoming. Be it from the stakeholders or from the Government. What we need are the simple truths and practical solutions to survive this industry though the first signs of this downslide were felt five years back when domestic tourists were lured from all over the country.
Goa has been misrepresented and misguided by the powers that be internationally and in the bargain have sold Goa’s heart and soul to the domestic tourists who have plundered and murdered the very basic etiquettes of tourism in Goa. The ministers are only busy chasing their dreams and just speak to the galleries to hoodwink the public at large with inflated tourists’ data. The hotel prices that rocketed to a new high are also responsible for today’s sad story. Everyone went overboard to make quick money when tourism was at its peak in the state but failed to realize that the future was at stake.
I would like to put forth a few suggestions which may help the industry if at all the government is serious enough to do the needful.
Presently, most of the tourists’ places of Goa are in shambles be it roads and by-lanes of every tourists frequented places, and to top it it’s the menace of garbage. Nothing is working nor is anyone taking this industry seriously.
The invading of roadsides everywhere in the tourist belt areas of North Goa by the vendors makes it look like we are still living in stone-age where civic sense has been thrown to the winds. Every inch has been invaded by the migrants/vendors who grease the palms of the members of the local bodies. And this keeps growing at every corner of Goa. So, its sheer urgency the government comes up with concrete solutions to the depleting tourism industry failing which we shall see the end of the road on all fronts. The greed of all should be curtailed in order to fashion that the pie could be eaten over the long period of time.
I strongly recommend the following points that may be beneficial to have our tourism industry’s survival in the state if at all the government is serious in protecting Goa’s image as a tourist destination. And just lip-service will not help any more.
1. The famous beaches of Calangute, Baga, Vagator, etc should be de-congested by removing all the migrants/gadas who wittingly or unwittingly create a scene on the sands and by the roadsides which is a major nuisance to the visitors. The domestic tourists have to be disciplined in every aspect, display signboards at every place for Dos and Don’ts.
2. All the domestic tourist buses that enter Goa should compulsorily be halted and parked at the city bus stands in Panjim itself instead of allowing those buses to drive up-to the beaches. These visitors should take the local buses or the government should put in place mini-buses to ply from Panjim to the respective beaches at regular intervals. Fine heavily those who squatter in the city or in the village and cook and merry. Evict all the lamanis loitering on the beach fronts that many a times are a nuisance to the visitors.
3. Remove all the encroachers by the roadside all along the roads from Betim to Sinquerim and all along the road to Baga or where ever it’s applicable.
4. Goa does not need big infrastructure anymore to boost tourism in the state but taking away the shine of our villages will further deplete the scenario.
5. The present rent-a-bike policy should be scrapped totally and instead hotels should be allowed to keep the bikes for hire for their customers. The rent-a-bike in the city deprives the citizens of parking place too.
7. In Panjim, the places near water bodies should be fully de-congested by removing all the illegal activities that are going on. It’s even a security risk as no one knows who lives and what works are undertaken at these places. Practically all the vehicles and human activities at these areas should be replaced by beautification. It won’t be too long they will start filling up the water bodies if timely action is not initiated.
8. Increase the promenades at every tourist spot all over Goa so that the visitors walk along and have time for their relaxation. These areas can have some entertainment at regular intervals in the evenings. Here the locals can play a big role.
9. Encourage cycling. Build cycling tracks all along the coastal belts where ever the beaches are frequented by the visitors.
10. Cleanliness is next to godliness. This motto should be implemented in good spirit.
11. A moratorium on any new hotel should be enforced for at least next 5 years.
12. At Airport: De-congest the arrival place outside Goa Airport. Presently it gives a messy situation outside with drivers pouring in from all sides which gives a bad impression to any visitor. The airport parking area is a sheer disgrace. The huge building meant for parking vehicles is unutilized till date and that speaks volumes of how much government is taking care of the tourism industry. The approach bridges at the airport that are being built at snail pace are another eye-sore.
It’s time for government to wake up from deep slumber and hope they realize the time is up for action.
