There’s magic in travel. Places hold a unique charm that speaks to the soul. But, many a time, they've been labelled and boxed, a commodified attraction that when unboxed, leaves none spellbound.
‘Discover our rich heritage’, ‘Visit these sacred shrines’ or ‘Fall in love with these green corners’, the tourism industry banks on marketing awe-inspiring facets of a place that, more often than not, dilute the very essence of the destination.
Imagine this. You come across a glossy brochure of a travel destination. Your bank balance doesn’t permit you another holiday for the year, but you do it anyway.
Browsing through the enchanting pictures, you book your next flight and arrive at your destination. And then, the magic disappears!
It turns out that, like you, many, enticed by that very allure, have made their way to the destination, leaving the place looking nothing like those pretty pictures.
This common problem of over-tourism, has unintentionally pushed many places under the listing of ‘worst places to visit’.
But, how exactly is travel losing its sense of wonder?
They say popularity is much like a wave, it rolls, reaches heights and then crashes, with just remnants left behind. And, there are regions that have paid the consequences of that fame.
They say popularity is much like a wave, it rolls, reaches heights and then crashes, with just remnants left behind. And, there are regions that have paid the consequences of that fame.
When you travel across Goa, change can be both, noticed and felt. You come across hordes of tourists in some corners, and notice in others, their unruly behaviour and the strain caused on the State’s limited resources.
While many may conclude that the charm of Goa’s tourism is on a decline, there’s much that can be done to protect its very character, the onus of which, lies not solely on tourism stakeholders, but also on those who are on their travel adventure.
As tourists, one simply needs to understand how actions can impact local communities positively and negatively. Being sensitive to the land’s norms, respecting boundaries and sometimes simply following an instruction board, can go a long way.
Instead of adding to the existing issues the State faces, travellers should be more mindful and choose accordingly. Be it opting for eco-friendly accommodation, green tour rides or ensuring no trail of waste is left behind, if it’s in their capacity, why not do the place some good. Right?
And, for those in whose hands the power vests to actually do some good for the State before it loses its spark, the time to act is now. Not just haphazardly promoting the State, but ensuring the sanctity of the place survives their marketing gimmicks.
The overcrowding issue needs to be addressed with seriousness. Responding to the overflow of tourists that results in mismanagement, increased traffic and unnecessary hindrances for the locals. Authorities need to understand how this can make a holiday less enjoyable for those exploring the place.
Responding to the overflow of tourists that results in mismanagement, increased traffic and unnecessary hindrances for the locals. Authorities need to understand how this can make a holiday less enjoyable for those exploring the place.
The time is also ripe to find solutions on how tourism can aid in preserving heritage, instead of commercialising and diluting age-old customs or unveiling a proper plan and investing tourism revenue to aid conservation efforts and protecting the environment.
While those from far beyond realise Goa’s unique charm, it’s more daunting if those who reside under her nurturing care, don’t. Every change Goa undergoes needs to be evaluated rather than merely trading the simple joys the State is known for.
After all, there’s so much that can be done to safeguard the magic of places that are dwindling in their own popularity.