No sooner than the high tides resulting from a cyclone hit Goan beaches on the night of December 2, tourists in significant numbers started going back to their home states. That was surprising because there is a lot to do in Goa apart from visiting beaches.
For example, tourists can have a good glimpse of Goan life by taking a cycle and going for a ride on a winding road to a quaint Goan village.
A visit to the markets of Mapusa and Panaji can be an event in itself for tourists because this is where the flavours of the State can be experienced with an array of food products like pork sausages, spices and condiments and even fruits and vegetables, which are unique to Goa. There are lush greens to be explored down the countryside too, besides the party places along the beach belt. Why then did tourists take a flight back?
To an extent, domestic tourists have to take the blame for it. Most of them visit Goa on a short 2-3 day trip. They may have visited Goa a number of times in the past, but they never really managed to explore other parts of the state apart from beaches because they simply didn't have the time. Due to this, they are woefully unaware of all that this pretty State has to offer.
Similarly, it's also the fault of the Tourism Department and of all the hospitality players, put together. For years now, the tourism department is trying hard to expand the sales pitch of Goa from a destination which offers just sun and sand, to a destination which offers hinterland tourism as well.
But, it appears that the department has not succeeded in spreading the message across because domestic tourists are still visiting Goa just for beaches, and of course for the cheap alcohol.
The hospitality players are waging several lone battles, when it comes to attracting tourists. It is difficult to understand what is stopping them from coming together as one unit on one platform and creating a nice menu of activities for tourists. This cooperation can be taken further by having a combined fleet of buses and other services for tourists.
At the moment, several hotels have buses, but, it would really help if they all could come together to have a fleet of buses, which could help tourists get around the state. By doing this, hoteliers will create a potent alternative to taxi owners, who otherwise take everyone for granted and charge whatever fare they wish.
Clearly, a lot can be done to ensure that next time some weather disturbance happens on Goan beaches, tourists don't flee from the state. But, for that to happen, everyone has to come together and make a joint concentrated effort. Otherwise, nothing will change.
