Members of the Travel and Tourism Association submitted a white paper to Manohar Babu Ajgaonkar detailing key issues faced by the tourism industry in Goa. The TTAG must be applauded for taking the onus on itself and coming out with such a document understanding the uncertainties of the industry going into the next season.
An instant positivity is the fact that the tourism minister showed some signs of intent this time. Last year, Ajgaonkar refused to meet the TTAG for over a year despite the industry being in doldrums. Asking the tourism director to hold regular meetings with the TTAG is a step in the right direction.
Countries like Sri Lanka and Thailand swing into action with quick measures the moment they see a drop in tourism. From easing visa fees and norms to drastically cutting down hotel tariffs, it’s all thrown in as part of the bailout. Goa cannot sit in waiting despite knowing that tourism is slipping away from its grip. It has to act, and act fast. The TTAG has done the spadework and it is only for the government to take it forward. It’s now a matter of time how quickly Ajgaonkar responds to the blueprint. Nothing can be made out of his statement which reads “I will look into it”. Crucial months are lost with the election code of conduct and with the onset of the monsoons, the government now has roughly around three months before another season starts.
However, there are some areas that need immediate attention. The visa regime has to be eased. With an NDA government at the Centre, this is an area where the State government is in a position to take it forward. Goa’s marketing overseas has to change. In recent times, roadshows and foreign jaunts have yielded insignificant results, and have only left a huge hole in the treasury. Government needs to get the TTAG on board while strategizing these marketing trips so that we target the right tourists. Making a marketing presentation in the Gulf is not going to be rewarded at a time when Goa is lamenting the decline of European tourists.
A white paper cannot be complete without a debate on EDMs. Music festivals have been in the midst of controversies for different reasons. While EDMs are known to have tourist traction, it’s the timing that could make a huge difference. Government has to quickly put together its policy on such festivals so that it doesn’t go the Sunburn way.
After facing brickbats for a dismal tourism season and the steady decline in tourist arrivals, Ajgaonkar faces huge challenges on bringing the industry back on track. It’s not an overnight job, neither is it a one-man show. The government must take the TTAG white paper very seriously and get on with the job at hand quickly. With a TTAG white paper in place, a tourism minister who is finally listening coupled with a Chief Minister Pramod Sawant who is showing keen interest in the sector, there are some signs of positivity on the tourism front.
