FRANKLY FRANK: Open letter to Goa's Tourism Minister

Dear Minister,

I hope this letter finds you well. As a journalist and active observer of Goa’s tourism landscape, I closely follow the developments and challenges facing the industry.

In light of this, I commend your latest initiative to call a conclave and understand the ground realities and concerns of the industry stakeholders

This proactive step speaks volumes of the political will and is a positive sign that bodes well for the tourism industry which has faced enormous criticism, some of which was, of course, unfounded.

I concur with you that Goa, if not premier, is a favoured destination, and the 21 per cent growth is proof of that. Gomantak Times Digital congratulates you and the department for this achievement.

However, as encouraging as the number may seem, there is no time to rest on this laurel because the ever-evolving industry always keeps throwing new challenges. But, again, it’s a good sign that you will now be on your guard and not, at any given time, turn complacent. 

The recent conclave should, from now on, serve as the beginning of a continuous dialogue between industry leaders, stakeholders, local communities and the government. It should also set the pace to correct all the wrongs that besiege the industry.

There are many pressing issues, but one of the most important is the need for a cleaner and more sustainable environment. The issue of cleanliness has become a growing challenge. The lack of proper waste management on beaches has tarnished the State’s image.

It is heartening to know that the issue has not escaped your attention. However, it requires focused and continuous attention to bring about a lasting change. Strengthening waste management systems and banning single-use plastics are two key initiatives the tourism industry could take the lead with.

If ever a level-playing field is to be created for tourism, the department will have to weed out all the illegalities on Goa’s pristine beaches. This means, the illegal vendors and illegal businesses, on the approach road to our beaches will have to go.

The illegal vendors not only tarnish the beauty of our beaches and streets, but they contribute nothing to the State exchequer. On the contrary, they eat into the business of legal vendors and operators, who dutifully pay taxes and support the local economy.

Some of those operating shacks and eateries on the beaches are at their wits’ end trying to figure out how to get rid of this wada pav, bhaji pav, and other street food vendors off the streets. These street foods are not part of our Goan dining culture and mostly draw cheap tourists seeking quick bites.

The presence of these illegal street food carts, which have no FDA license and whose hygiene is questionable, are creators of garbage, thus sullying the beauty of our beaches. The time has come to take a stand and restore the true spirit of Goa’s dining heritage that has long attracted food enthusiasts and tourists from across the world.  

There are so many issues that I would like to highlight and bring to your attention, but this column doesn’t allow me to go beyond a certain word count, so I have to conclude it. 

And, the last thing I would like to say to you is not to let our tourism be driven solely by economics because it is not just about business, Goa tourism has a soul. This means we cannot kill our mountains and hillslopes to make our tourism look beautiful, it already is!     

So let us protect and nurture this soul, for it is the true heart of our tourism, far beyond economics. I don’t doubt your leadership and attention in dealing with these and other concerns, and it is my hope that tourism will see better days than now.       

Thank you for your commitment to the cause of Goa's tourism.