The new tourism season is set to kick off with the arrival of the first charter flight from Russia on October 4. But the situation continues to remain grim with the State grappling to put infrastructure in place. For the tourists, nothing changes from the last season. On the contrary, it has only got worse.
From the pathetic condition of roads to the perennial garbage problem, the environment remains appalling in terms of a holiday. The road network is in ruins and the bluff in PWD Minister Deepak Pauskar’s words of clearing potholes in eight days is as clear as daylight. The last time he promised to rid Goa of potholes was before Ganesh Chaturthi.
The open defecation ban and the single-use plastic prohibition from October 2 are two new initiatives from the government, but these are insignificant from the tourists’ perspective for now. These bans will mean nothing because the government is still struggling to put the necessary infrastructure and enforcement in place. An order banning single-use plastic has been issued in all government offices, canteens and official functions but the awareness within the public and traders is lacking. With only three days to go for the ban to become operational, markets continue to be flooded with plastics of all sizes and assortments.
However, a major worry for tourism is the absence of shacks along the coastline, because this is where most of the tourism activity in the State is centered. Goa has challenged the NGT stay on its shack policy in the High Court even as it is speeding with finalizing of its coastal plans. In all probability, it appears highly unlikely that shacks could come up before November-end and this could deal a heavy blow to the sector which is struggling. The only consolation for Goa for now is the national award for adventure tourism it bagged last week.
Russians, as usual, are top on the list of tourists visiting the State. Last year the first charter flight that landed in Goa brought 520 Russian tourists. The bigger worry remains over British tourists who are left stranded after Thomas Cook shut shop. The Goa government is believed to be connecting with other tour operators, but it is highly unlikely that there could be any deal at this late hour.
With very little options, Goa will have to go ahead with whatever is available. The biggest booster is the national award for adventure tourism and this is an area where the State must capitalize on and consolidate. Water sports and adventure tourism are gaining popularity in the State for the last five years and coastal Goa holds vast scope in this field. The bungee-jumping in Mayem recently is a welcome addition.
With odds stacked against a successful tourism season, Goa will certainly feel the pinch for the lack of planning and foresight once again. Lessons from the past have not been learned.
