As was feared, the ugly face of tourism returned, yet again, to haunt Goa tourism this New Year. Drunk tourists and empty liquor bottles on our beaches defined the festivities in a State touted to be one of the high-end tourism destinations in India.
If the story was one of disdain on the Calangute-Baga coastal belt in North Goa, it was nothing short of pathetic on Colva Beach in South Goa, where open drinking restrictions were flouted with aplomb. Open drinking was more of a might and a right!
On New Year’s Eve, some of the beaches turned into ugly homestays, where domestic tourists splattered their civic apathy for all to see. Cheap tourists have learned, over the last few years, that they can have a ball of a time drinking openly in Goa without being penalised.
Apparently, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was quoted, in a section of the media, urging social media influencers to come and see Goa’s coastline for all things good.
Certainly, New Year’s Eve is the best time for that. The money and the good times roll on this occasion.
Cheap tourists have learned, over the last few years, that they can have a ball of a time drinking openly in Goa without being penalised.
If the influencers spent time on New Year’s Eve in Goa, they must have captured narrow trafficked and garbage-laden roads, open drinking, and many ugly sides of Goa tourism. There is no shame in admitting we failed, again, to keep the order.
Contrary to reports of a downward spiral of tourism on this festive occasion, if the government insists everything is okay, then it is time for introspection. Goa’s tourism image needs a makeover and this is the absolute truth.
The reality is that cheap tourists will keep pouring in and do as they please as long as they know that the law here is too weak to restrict their wrongdoings. The fact remains that these cheapskate tourists will keep tarnishing the good image Goa Tourism is trying to project.
It’s just the beginning of 2025 and there is an opportunity for a real and genuine image makeover for Goa tourism. With an entire year ahead, there is ample scope for positive transformation. But first, admit and identify the rot.
With an entire year ahead, there is ample scope for positive transformation. But first, admit and identify the rot.
If a serious change is the vision, the next 12 months will be very crucial for the government, but not without involving local stakeholders, authorities concerned and communities. Releasing responsible tourism media releases from plush offices will not bring in responsible tourists.
For a meaningful change, let’s not restrict responsible tourism to a mere slogan; let’s create a comprehensive mindset that looks beyond paper promises.
This means it’s time to look at real issues like waste management, and regulation at well-known tourist hotspots.
Also, the real truth is that tourism, or for that matter other related issues, cannot be fixed by one party alone. Goa will need a collective will, one which foregoes party politics.
If tourism is about people’s livelihoods, then dirty politics will not solve the mess we are in, only genuine concern will.
Equally, businesses on the coastal belt will have to act responsibly and stop blaming the government for all the tourism ills. They have an equal role to play in this mess. Please admit that profit-driven motives overshadowed the need for ethical and sustainable practices.
Also, the real truth is that tourism, or for that matter other related issues, cannot be fixed by one party alone. Goa will need a collective will, one which foregoes party politics.
From here, it’s clear that it is too risky to leave the future of something as good as Goa tourism in the hands of those who prioritise their profits. At this juncture, we will need leaders who speak the truth. More than that, we require leaders who will prioritise solutions based on ground reality.
Despite the bad publicity, many tourists love Goa. They know there are problem areas to be addressed and as soon as these are taken care of, they will be back.
So, the question for 2025 is: Will we all strive and work together to restore the fading image of Goa tourism?