The signs are already showing. Goa tourism took a nose dive in 2023 and the dwindling footfalls are proof enough. So, let us not hide behind the fact, or rather lie, that our tourism is high-end. In no way is it anywhere even near high-end.
So, when politicians and authorities talk about high-end tourism, it would be better if they take a walk on some of the beaches in North Goa disguised as tourists. If they feel that’s too much of a task, then they can view the pictures Gomantak Times Digital posted in one of its web stories (Tourists in Goa repeat old shame in New Year), it sure should serve as an eye-opener to the kind of tourists coming to Goa.
It's time we admit that our house is not in order, and now, in 2024, we need to set things in perspective and prepare a new model of how our tourism is going to look. We are just moving, but don’t know in which direction – akin to a ship sailing without a sail.
At the start of the New Year, we have a good window to know what our tourism really looks like now, identify the flaws, or our mistakes, and course correct. There is still hope because we have so much more in store.
It's time we admit that our house is not in order, and now, in 2024, we need to set things in perspective and prepare a new model of how our tourism is going to look.
Our beaches and our forests certainly lost to something organised and not better than us.
According to Business Today, Vietnam, a coastal country in Southeast Asia, has emerged as one of the top tourist destinations in recent times, with many more Indian tourists choosing this nation over Goa – which is known for its pristine beaches and nightlife.
If one goes by these reports, Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Vietnam have stolen Goa’s show. Reports further add that holidaying in tiny Goa is two-and-half times costlier than in these countries. It’s time that tourism leaders come on a common platform and see where all Goa failed and tackle the challenges ahead.
Goa has everything on a platter – beaches, forests, hills, rivers, temples, churches and to back these all, we have a rich cultural diversity. So, why are tourists giving Goa a miss? The answer could be the erroneous focus on one main asset – beaches.
Goa has everything on a platter – beaches, forests, hills, rivers, temples, churches and to back these all, we have a rich cultural diversity. So, why are tourists giving Goa a miss?
We certainly haven’t been able to balance our tourism. The first impression is the last, so those who came for the first time saw waste-littered beaches and overcharging taxis, and went back with that picture in their mind. And that picture will forever remain with them.
What we saw happening in other tourism economies is happening here too – over-tourism equals no tourism. When there is over-tourism, tourists start avoiding a particular location and that’s what happened to Goa.
But the over-tourism here came with a price because we allowed tourists to do what they wanted – open drinking is a case in particular – and not exactly how we wanted it to be. The reason is we were scared of losing business, which anyway we have lost.
All this while we failed to see the hidden dangers – as visitor numbers went up, the hidden costs (it’s not money, but perils) were not spotted and the outcome is now evident. Let us admit we became complacent and are now paying the price.
When there is over-tourism, tourists start avoiding a particular location and that’s what happened to Goa.
What needs to change now is the perception of Goa in the eyes of the visiting tourists. According to studies conducted by tourism researchers, it is believed that the perception of a destination plays a key role in the decision-making process of tourists.
The repeat tourists come to Goa come because they have seen the real Goa – clean and tidy and one which always was welcoming with hospitable people ready to be at their service. They return here because of the goodness they took back.
So, if there is anything the government will have to work on from now, it is an image makeover.
So, if there is anything the government will have to work on from now, it is an image makeover. And when I say image makeover, it doesn’t mean cosmetic makeovers like beach benches, beach cleaning and beautification.
What Goa needs is a real-meaning heavy focus on quality tourism and innovation, while at the same time staying grounded to the needs of its environment. The government will have to ensure residents have a say in decision-making while allowing tourism projects, particularly when driving the idea of eco-tourism projects in villages.
Tourism put Goa on the world map and bestowed on it its bounty, and now, we are all duty-bound to change its brand image – and one that is for the good.
