Just at a time when the countdown began for the second edition of the Sunburn Klassique, Tourism Minister Babu Ajgaonkar created an air of uncertainty with a rider. He says the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) festival slated between December 27 and 29 at Vagator is subject to payment of Rs 1 crore dues. Why would the tourism minister, who vouches for EDMs in Goa, make such a statement at the 11th hour?
EDMs were known to be a significant tourist attraction for Goa in the recent past. Tourists, including the desi ones, have been flocking in droves to satiate their appetite for this genre of music. Sunburn has been a star tourism attraction for Goa ever since it made its debut in 2007. The State felt the pinch when Sunburn moved to neighbouring Maharashtra in 2016. It was in 2018 when Ajgaonkar was categorical in saying that EDMs were very much needed to boost tourism.
Given the background that this big-ticket festival is fetching significant revenue and boosting tourism, why is the government creating an atmosphere of uncertainty? Ajgaonkar has come on record that the government has given ‘in-principle’ nod to go ahead with the event. If clearance of dues was a pre-condition, why was this issue not sorted out with the organisers earlier?
This is not entirely about the organisers of the event and the government. There are thousands of people who have made plans and booked tickets online. There are Sunburn fans who have flight reservations while others have even booked their hotel stays. If Shailesh Shetty, chief executive officer, Klassique, is to be believed, there is an expected crowd of 50,000 per day. That’s not all. The media was informed that top 5 EDM artistes and around 100 other performers from all over the world would be in attendance at the Sunburn Klassique this time in what is promised to be an intrinsic experience for people.
By threatening to stop the EDM at this stage when it is ten days away, what message is Goa sending out to the tourists? If there were genuine concerns over the recovery of arrears, the government should have been firm at the time of granting any clearances. By crying hoarse now, a few are exposing their vested interests or are we to believe that this is a complete mockery of systems?
The belated demand for clearance of dues only appears to be arm-twisting tactics by a few who are out to extract their pound of flesh. If we may recall, even during its first run this February, Sunburn Klassique had already opened plans and tickets had gone online while the tourism minister kept talking about arrears as a pre-condition. Eventually, the EDM took off with great pomp, and the recovery of dues pushed to the backburner. It’s time the government comes clear on EDMs and streamlines procedures.
