PANJIM: Foreign tourists were important for Goa since it was an international travel destination; however, the overwhelming presence of domestic tourists was not encouraging.
International tourists were needed to give the place a certain feel which would in turn encourage the presence of domestic tourists. Ooty had been turned into a slum.
These sentiments were expressed by the outgoing Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) President Francisco Braganza at the installation ceremony of Savio Messias as the new head of the trade organization.
Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza, who was present, felt that records showed a majority of crimes committed in the State were by migrants; but he also advised caution on the urge for more foreigners coming to the State. Indians know India, he said and liked coming to the State.
New TTAG President Messias told Herald that the State welcomed high-end tourists, but did not want cheap tourists who caused problems. He, however, emphasized that everyone was welcome. His immediate concern, he said, would be sorting out the taxi issue but felt there had to be a political will.
The outgoing president voiced his disappointment at the inability to convince the government to establish a Tourism Promotion Board. Seven of the 10 best tourism destinations in the world had such a board which comprised stakeholders and representatives of the government.
The long-standing taxi issue was another problem and he felt that adopting new technologies and apps would increase efficiency and returns for both cab drivers and tourists.
The government, Braganza said, had decided to install meters but the decision had been kept in abeyance at the instance of those who were, in fact, the cause of the problem. The government he said had to move on the master plan which was moving slowly.
Speaking about the sensitive subject of the identity of Goa, he felt it was important to protect it. Every tourist destination served its local fare but in Goa one found, European, Indian and Nepali food.
