Nowhere in recent times has the situation been more challenging for Goa’s tourism industry. As if last year’s slowdown wasn’t enough, this year’s season began just when Thomas Cook UK collapsed. For months now, the tourism stakeholders have been demanding more support from the government. But, not much support has come from the State Government so far. And that is quite frankly baffling.
The tourism department decided to have the Goa International Travel Mart (GITM) from October 23 to 25. It begs a question: Why has the government decided on GITM so close to the tourism season? It would have been much better if GITM was organised in April or May, which would have given an opportunity to local tourism players to sign contracts, which would have brought tourists this season itself. Since GITM is happening so late in October, it will help in bringing tourists only from the next season. This lackadaisical approach is at the heart of everything the State Government has done for the tourism industry.
On the other hand, governments in competing destinations like Sri Lanka are far more proactive. For example, the Sri Lankan government guarantees a minimum load factor on planes to charter operators. If charter operators are not successful in filling a certain percentage of a plane with foreign tourists, the Sri Lankan government compensates them for the shortfall. This way the charter operators are motivated to bring foreign tourists to Sri Lanka. Many other destinations offer cash incentives to charter operators to bring foreign tourists. So far neither the State Government nor the Central Government has even entertained this idea.
In fact, the current crisis in the tourism industry is a compelling reason for Goa to be given special consideration in India’s tourism policy. Wherever necessary, the policy must be changed to suit the needs of states like Goa and Kerala, which depend heavily on tourism. For example, tourism stakeholders have often complained that airports all around India are really expensive for foreign flights compared to airports in competing destinations.
The decision to change airport charges is clearly outside the purview of the State Government. In such areas, only the Central Government can help. But where the Central Government can’t help, the State Government must proactively step in. For example, the State Government can consider giving cash incentives to charter operators for bringing foreign tourists. Last season, Russian tourists had complained that they had to pay high visa fees to come to Goa.
The State Government must find ways to incentivise Russian tourists to come to Goa. Or else, they will happily head to other destinations. Apart from mining which is now at a standstill, tourism is the other key sector for Goa’s economy. This season is when it needs support from both the Central and the State Government.
