Reviving Tourism in Goa

It was in December 1977 that I first visited Goa and liked it, but love affair really started in December 1981 when a complete stranger invited me home for a simple meal. That experience really turned me into a brand ambassador for Goa and a regular visitor.

But last two years have been disappointing to say the least. Fabled hospitality, which I had experienced first hand has now turned into commercialized relationship aimed at blatant exploitation of tourist, who is no more a welcome guest. Rather he/she and especially the Indian tourist is considered an unwelcome intrusion. This despite the fact that five out of total six tourist to Goa are Indians, who spend more, are less demanding and more alive to local sensibilities.

Let us not forget that tourism accounts for second largest segment of Goan economy, employing 40% of population and more than 90% of tourists stay in small establishments run as PG directly by Goan families. 

It is time that Goan people force their government to ensure that tourism in Goa should be sustainable and in harmony with nature based on morality, integrity and socially responsible. It should do the following:

1. Focus on domestic (Indian) tourist. Foreign tourist may be more attractive but is it the Indian tourist who sustains Goa tourism. Fact is that per capita spend by Indian tourist is more than that of a foreign tourist, but both the government of Goa as also local Goan seem more enamoured with white tourist. Time has come that instead of promoting controversial events like Sun Burn, the Goa Tourism authorities should hold  festivals highlighting Indian cultural vibrancy and diversity.

2. Establish a Tourism Tribunal which should provide quick redressal to all those associated with tourism including the tourist. To codify rights of tourist the government should promulgate a legally enforceable Tourist Rights Declaration. Such a declaration should protect tourists from predatory pricing and deficient services by hoteliers, overcharging by taxi, restaurants, vendors or any other service provider. Protection against harassment by government officials including police. 

3. Utilize technology to create seamless 24x7 surveillance network covering all beaches and other public spaces. Any breach of law must be quickly and effectively responded.

4. Quick time bound disposal of cases involving drug trafficking, anti-social conduct and/or harassment and award of exemplary punishments.

5. Categorization of hotels and PGs to be universally applicable star ratings and enforce it. Presently nearly 90 per cent of tourist accommodation is managed by small local families and boutique hotels having less than 20 rooms. This is a good model as the profits of touris, go directly to people and are spread more evenly. Hence this model should be encouraged, albeit with a caveat that quality can not be compromised. All hotels and PGs must adhere to laud down quality parameters and their dealing with tourist ought to be transparent. Waste disposal, staff hygiene and quality of food must be of highest order.

6. Declare 1000 meter wide strip along designated beaches (measured in-land from High Tide Water Line) as Special Tourism Zone (STZ), which should be developed in an integrated manner to create 'quality facilities for tourism related activities. While ownership of property in STZ should remain with present owners these properties ought to be developed so as to maximize their potential.

7. Create co-located but well defined facilities as per budget. Everyone should get value for money and there should not be cross-subsidization. There should be separate facilities for budget, VFM and luxury tourists.

8. Break the nexus of taxi operators by introducing efficient public transport system.

9. Ensure proper waste management by all including private residents.

10. Lay down and enforce laws.