The focus of Goa Tourism in the last few years has been on quality over quantity. The statements on this aspect have come from the top government functionaries at the ministerial level.
That being the case, should Goa lose sleep over the social media posts that attempt to show falling numbers of tourists in Goa?
It’s been around two months since the debate on Goa tourism sparked off, and it still continues to keep the social and mainstream media occupied. But, should it? The debate will probably not die down, not when Goa reacts to the posts and so fuels the discussion.
The government has stepped up to address the social media posts legally, filing an FIR against at least one such post, and there are now reports that influencers have been directed to portray the correct picture of tourism in Goa.
There is a dichotomy here that becomes difficult to explain. What belies explanation is why Goa, that is attempting to shed the image of quantity tourism and seek quality tourists, worrying about the fall in numbers, even if there has been a decline?
Wouldn’t a drop in numbers be the best opportunity to shift focus on quality tourism? Goa should take the path of evidencing that less is more, in the case of tourism.
Last month, as the first of the social media posts targeting tourism footfalls in Goa popped up and drew various reactions, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, in a media interview, categorically spoke of quality tourism.
“Moreover, the focus is not just on numbers anymore. We emphasise quality over quantity, aiming to attract high-spending tourists and offer diverse experiences,” Khaunte has been quoted as saying.
Most in Goa will cheer these statements, but to meet its target of quality tourism, Goa has to first reduce the number of travellers. I would imagine that if the discerning tourist saw empty roads in Goa, they would start planning their next vacation in the State.
The dichotomy continues. Goa wants quality, but charter tourism, budget tourism leads to large numbers of visitors. Goa doesn’t want that, but promotes it.
What Goa wants is fewer tourists, who will stay longer and spend more. So a drop in numbers should have been a win-win situation for the industry stakeholders and for the government to refocus on quality tourism
Changing to quality over quantity will not happen overnight nor without a lot of effort. Goa is going to keep attracting tourists in large numbers.
Let’s look at the fact that Goa today has two airports, a port, a major railway junction and highways that some other states would possibly envy.
Infrastructure wise, Goa has the potential to take its tourism to greater heights, but this infrastructure will also bring in more tourists. It’s become easier to travel to Goa, so tourists will come, and Goa does take pride in releasing numbers of travellers that alighted at its two airports.
For quality, it requires some other more focussed infrastructure changes. The State needs to take a serious look at the road network in the coastal areas, with special attention to the approaches to the beaches.
Very few beaches have approach roads wide enough to permit two vehicles to drive without slowing down or even proper parking facilities.
The above has to come from the government, for the industry is moving fast towards providing luxury hotel rooms for the tourists.
Apart from the existing starred hotels, there are reputable chains that are seeking to enter the Goa market. This itself is evidence that tourism in Goa is not declining, it may only be shifting focus.
And, that is what the minister made a reference to in the interview, concluding it by stating, “To sceptics, let the numbers and initiatives speak for themselves. Goa is resilient and vibrant, and I am confident it will continue to be a top destination for years to come.”
There is no doubt that Goa will remain a much-sought after destination in the coming years, but the ‘quality over quantity’ emphasis needs to be more than just a slogan. It needs to be acted upon, and the government must deliver on it.
For, if that is the focus for the future, then falling numbers should actually be a boon to Goa.
Look at it that way, and it appears that all is well with Goa tourism. It could actually be the start of a new era in Goa tourism’s history.
