After around 100 American tourists, passengers on the cruise ship ‘Ocean Odyssey’ that arrived at the Mormugao Port on Wednesday, were forced to go back to their ship after local taxi union members obstructed the buses that were supposed to take them on their tour. Francis Vaz, the manager of Le Passage to India, has complained to the TTAG, the Tourism Department, the Chief Minister and DGP. tour operators from Goa have expressed outrage. An impression was created that Goa is not safe for tourists, Otto De Oliveira Fernandes, Owner of Le Passage To India Tours & Travelsstated. The tour operators met Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday and said CM Sawant had assured them that he would initiate an inquiry and take action against those involved.
Tour operators also alleged that the taxi drivers gheraoed the coach and assaulted the driver who sustained injuries. They said the image of Goa is at stake and cruise agents have immediately cancelled docking at Goa due to Wednesday's incident.