How Goa can earn brownie points from tourists and locals

Don’t we all love getting a pat on the back when we’ve done something good, or feel good when we help someone? These are simple gestures we should always strive for in order to improve and pursue excellence.

Similarly, in Goa, the tourism industry is tasked with creating that feel good factor for tourists and earn some 'brownie points'. Goa, also known as 'pearl of the orient' generates significant revenue from tourism, and the livelihoods of its locals are largely dependent on it.

The brownie points, so earned, will help foster a welcoming atmosphere, and make Goa a place where visitors and tourists would want to keep coming back.

This, in turn, will help locals build their livelihoods and improve their standard of living and continue growing. More tourists will mean creating more avenues that will contribute to making tourism a flourishing economy. Why not think this way?

Let’s start with something simple, yet important. Many tourists come to Goa to experience the ‘real’ Goa—the one they’ve read about in travel books, seen in films, or heard about from others. Some come simply to unwind in its unique allure and vibe. This vibe we’re talking about is made up of many things, but what often gets missed is the authentic touch.

One of the most vital things tourists seek is to connect with the warm-hearted Goan people and culture. However, many businesses and shacks that tourists encounter are owned or rented by outsiders, who don’t always prioritize the authentic Goan experience.

Recently, I visited a shack known for its seafood and local flavour, always a favourite among the locals. While I enjoyed the prawns and squids, the music completely threw me off. Instead of the soothing Goan tunes that could have filled the air, I was met with an overly dramatic Bollywood number on a Goan beach. Areeh! We hear that on Spotify all the time. Why not let the local tunes—like jazz, mando, or fado—take the lead?

Goa’s traditional music has even made its way into Bollywood, enhancing the experience for many. It’s time to bring those authentic sounds back to where they belong and truly give tourists the vibe they’re longing for.

Encouraging music education and providing a platform for local musicians can significantly enhance Goa's cultural appeal. By supporting music classes and groups, we can give talented individuals the opportunity to be heard and appreciated.

While it is often said that Goans may be reluctant to engage in certain professions, fostering music as a viable part-time pursuit could help bridge this gap. One way to do this is by allowing shacks and other tourism-focused businesses to host performances by students from local music schools.

Additionally, creating a curated playlist could serve as a unique cultural offering, benefiting both the local music scene and the tourism industry.

Cashew was brought to Goa and then introduced to the rest of India. While many people are overjoyed when they see cashews and want to take some home, aside from the popular brand 'Zantye', how many other local names do we really know? Why not focus on local traders, promote their brands, and help them package their goods right here in Goa? This way, the authentic cashew can be taken home by tourists as a true souvenir of Goa.

It’s important to teach Goans how to brand their products, and the government needs to step in to reach the grassroots level to understand where things are going wrong—rather than focusing on elaborate plans for exports or trade. This can surely help not just our cashew, but also feni and other local products gain recognition and drive business.

Also, let's address the basic infrastructure needs, especially when heading to the beaches and major tourist hotspots. While the highways and main roads are in good shape, there are so many interior roads that are in poor shape and require proper maintenance for easy accessibility.

We often tell people to explore Goa’s hinterlands and village life, but poor roads, transportation, and irregular public transport services undermine this experience.

For instance, if a tourist plans to travel from Calangute to Palolem and relies on public transport, they will have to ensure they return before 8 or 10 pm, as there are no buses operating in the interior areas after this time.

This forces tourists to rely on expensive cabs, or book additional accommodations, which defeats the purpose of affordable and accessible travel. Simple improvements like better public transport schedules and road conditions could go a long way in making the tourist journey smoother.

While the government often focuses on elaborate plans and proposals that sound wonderful, why not focus on grassroots efforts to do things right? We should work on maintaining what Goa already has, while simultaneously providing more enriching experiences for tourists, all while preserving what makes this land so unique.

By striking a balance between tradition and innovation, Goa can continue to be a beloved destination, attracting repeat visitors and ensuring that every tourist leaves with great memories and a desire to return.

To truly earn those brownie points from tourists and locals, it’s essential to prioritise what we have, identify what needs to be done, and focus on how we can improve. It’s easy to introduce new things, but maintaining what we already have is the real challenge.

We should focus on addressing the gaps and making the most of what we have, so the state can build a thriving, sustainable tourism ecosystem that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.