The unusually low footfalls of tourists, both domestic as well as foreign, have left tourism operators in Canacona in a spot of bother, and with no signs of an early revival, this could be the worst-ever season for Canacona taluka whose economy and well being is dictated and driven on the basis of how many tourists visit its beaches.
For the first time in decades the lanes and by lanes of the beach villages of Patnem, Palolem and Agonda are empty, which otherwise would be full of tourists, that visitors had to park their vehicles kilometres away during this time of the year – the peak season.
The mile-long Palolem beach, often referred to as the ‘Queen of the beaches’ in South Goa, had never witnessed such a drought of tourists since tourism picked up in this quiet and serene village in the nineties, say the people here.
“There used to be thousands of local as well as foreign tourists at Palolem and the adjoining equally beautiful beach at Patnem on Christmas Eve. But this year it is the worst-ever season for all of us,” said a distraught restaurateur from Palolem.
Hundreds of shops dotting the roadsides of the beaches of Patnem and Palolem, selling different types of wares and food items, are devoid of any customers and the staff of these ventures were seen standing at the entrance only to stare at the empty road on either side.
This sudden drop in tourists has brought great worry to the tourism industry in Canacona, as thousands of locals depend on tourism to make a living.
“If not now when will the tourists visit and when will we do any business?” a local tourism business operator asked. This question is bothering the people and being asked by locals staying close to the beaches of Canacona who are directly or indirectly involved in some or other activities which keeps the fire burning in their kitchens.
The locals, who have invested heavily on building temporary as well as permanent rooms (depending on which zone they fall in), purchased vehicles and other things which provide ancillary support and services to the tourism industry, face a dead end and are in a fix on how to repay the debts.
Accommodation providers, till last week with no advance booking, were waiting eagerly for last minute walk in guests, but that too seems to be turning out to be a cruel joke on them as they stare at huge losses and unpaid debts and loans.
Locals here feel that a lot of factors had a contributory effect on the downfall of tourism in the coastal villages of Canacona.
The authorities not issuing the required permissions on time, the recent demolition and razing of structures by using heavy earthmoving equipments in front of tourists at Agonda, which was shared on social media, together with the economic meltdown has had a devastating effect on the tourism industry in Canacona, insiders feel.
To top it all, the harassment meted by the traffic police to tourists – local as well as foreign – at every 10km on the National Highway, as well as internal roads, is also keeping tourists away, say locals.
When Herald spoke to an European couple, who had come to nearby Chaudi town, they said that the tourists come here to spend money and want to enjoy their time peacefully be it in the rooms, while shopping or while commuting on the road.
“There are traffic cops all along waiting to catch us on blind turns, come on pal we are not thieves or murderers, treat us with dignity, else we will start looking for better alternatives,” said both in unison.
Most locals Herald spoke to, agreed to the fact that all the stakeholders, be it tourism operators, CRZ officials, Tourism Department and the concerned ministers have to come on a common platform and discuss ways and means to come out of the mess the tourism industry is in.
“A concerted last ditch effort has to be made to bring back the golden days, otherwise the tourism industry, which was the hen laying golden eggs for Goa, will be gone forever and ever,” said a Canacona tourism operator.
