Goa is in the midst of celebrations, just fresh from its latest nine-day spectacular International Film Festival of India. But that's not all! We have more to come, offering a windfall for the incoming visitors who are looking forward to the revelry, electrifying nightlife and more festivals that are lined up in December.
What comes to mind immediately is the Serendipity Arts Festival that arrives with a plethora of offerings and transforms Panjim's streets into cultural hubs where locals and tourists alike can witness interactive exhibits, theatre and arts.
Besides Serendipity, preparations are on to host the Sunburn (EDM) Festival, which, again, attracts more tourists to Goa than the former. However, this event is treated as a scourge and is portrayed as the grim propagator of a drugs culture in Goa.
Anyone with a good head on his shoulders and who knows Goa well will tell you that drugs have been an inherent part of this coastal paradise since the late 60s, when the hippies found this haven and made it their own.
And cut to today, drugs are everywhere. So, blaming Sunburn for all things drugs is a bit unfair.
And cut to today, drugs are everywhere. So, blaming Sunburn for all things drugs is a bit unfair.
There is no doubt that those coming to attend Sunburn want a high, and drugs are the natural choice. I am sure Sunburn doesn't promote drugs, but the organisers are bound by responsibility to have in place strict controls to check drug use, which is, ultimately, easier said than done.
But besides Sunburn and the drugs issue associated with it, there is lots to do and much to see in Goa that caters to all kinds of tourists.
Unfortunately, much of the State's offerings, such as its natural and cultural bonanza, are overshadowed by the controversies created by the national media, which is hell bent on creating a negative image about the State being expensive. Good things come at a price, don't they?
The government has a big part to play in ensuring that tourists are not haggled for services and accommodations when they land in Goa.
Yes, everyone will agree, fleecing is not good, but not all apples in a basket are bad. One unpleasant experience can't make an entire place bad. All you need to do is plan your holiday well in advance. Leave nothing to chance or you will be susceptible to falling prey to last-minute price hikes.
The government has a big part to play in ensuring that tourists are not haggled for services and accommodations when they land in Goa.
Demand certainly raises prices, but not in such a way that tourists feel cheated and deprived of a good holiday. There need to be regulations in place to provide equitable tourism to all.
It is time the government plays not only an important role, but a very pro-active one to pep up the existing brand image, making Goa a sought-after destination. Instead of focusing on promoting Brand Goa, the immediate need is to address issues that are tarnishing the State's reputation.
One of the things the government could do is engage with tourism stakeholders in the hotel industry, travel agencies and private transport to create an understanding of fair pricing.
One of the things the government could do is engage with tourism stakeholders in the hotel industry, travel agencies and private transport to create an understanding of fair pricing. The government could also reward businesses that adhere to ethical pricing to encourage more operators to follow suit.
All those resorting to unfair practices bring a bad name to tourism and fail to see the bigger picture. They are undermining the livelihoods of those working hard to keep Goa's tourism image alive. The latter believe in Atithi Devo Bhava, which means “Guest is God”.
Trust is the cornerstone of any industry, and tourism is one such sector which thrives on trust. Guests put their trust in a place they visit, and we need to honour that trust. They come here with their hard-earned money to experience the holiday they deserve.
It is our responsibility to ensure they have a good time and go back happy. Those breaking the trust of tourists by resorting to unfair pricing must realise that they are killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.