Woohoo! It’s 2025! The New Year arrived so swiftly that it felt as if 2024 went in a flash. Like every New Year, I’m sure everyone, including me, has made resolutions to ignite a sense of optimism for an eventful and fruitful New Year.
One of the most common resolutions is to travel to new parts of the world, and it certainly is an exciting one. However, a question arises: Can you make your travel experience more meaningful?
A simple, yet often overlooked, answer is to take the responsible tourism route. Let’s take Goa, for instance. It is one of the most popular and searched travel destinations in India, and it hosts hordes of travellers every year.
The State stands out for its appeal as a peaceful coastal paradise which offers a sort of escape from the chaos of everyday life. Tourists from different parts of India and abroad flock in to get a taste of everything Goa has in store, from adventure thrills to serene beaches.
It is highly essential to follow the path of responsible tourism when it comes to preserving the sanctity of a place and indulging in an immersive travel experience.
What better way to start this year than to explore your favourite destination the right way by respecting and contributing to the overall and sustainable well-being of the place?
It is highly essential to follow the path of responsible tourism when it comes to preserving the sanctity of a place and indulging in an immersive travel experience.
Goa’s tourism sector has suffered its share of setbacks over the past year in the form of overtourism and environmental degradation. While mismanagement by the authorities plays a role, travellers also need to take responsibility for their behaviour and actions.
It is crucial for the visitors to recognise that their choices and actions may leave a lasting impact on Goa’s environment and local communities.
One of the best ways to start practising sustainable tourism is by being conscious and respectful of the travel destination’s local communities, their living ecosystem and culture.
Undoubtedly, investing in understanding and knowing about the locals and their culture, and most importantly respecting the same will only elevate one’s travel experience.
Let’s understand this better with an example. Fontainhas, famously referred to as the Latin Quarter of Panjim, draws thousands of tourists everyday who are enamoured by its colourful and picture-perfect lanes. It has become a paradise for Instagrammers who are seen happily clicking away photos for their social media feeds.
However, one needs to understand that this is a residential area where people have been living for ages. Overcrowding and noise create a nuisance for the residents, provoking frustration and anger among the locals. Despite signboards outlining the dos and don’ts in the area, many tourists disregard them.
This dilemma can be avoided by simply following instructions and being ethical. Moreover, showing genuine interest in learning about the place, its history, and exploring local businesses in the area can lead to a more purposeful experience than just getting a few clicks.
Basic steps like opting for sustainable and eco-friendly means of transport like buses will help in not only minimising the negative impact on the State’s environment but also give you opportunities to converse with locals and have a more meaningful journey; it's a win-win situation.
Besides, being mindful of proper waste disposal, reducing plastic usage, and supporting nature conservation efforts can help reduce your negative footprint on the environment. Sometimes, all it takes is a small change in your approach that can make a huge difference to the place you visit.
Sometimes, all it takes is a small change in your approach that can make a huge difference to the place you visit.
So, are you ready to make a difference this New Year by travelling responsibly? All you have to do is respect, nurture and cherish the place you visit as if it is your own. If you do, places like Goa will welcome you with open arms and leave you with lasting memories to carry with you forever.